PA Hospital’s Ward 2E has been transformed from a clinical therapeutic space, to uplifting and calm with the addition of scenic window decals, thanks to the work of the Cancer Services Standard Two Committee (NS2).
The 2024 renovation of the ward freshened the space with new bathrooms, but it was the encroachment on the natural light from the construction site right next to the ward that was the impetus for the project.
Division of Cancer Services Nurse Manager, Sue Schoonbeek said the first stage of the beautification project was the gallery walk from the Brew on Two coffee shop to the outpatient reception, and the intention was always to transform the inpatient ward next.
“The site made everything seem dark, and our adolescent and young adult patients in particular were finding the lack of natural light to be dismal and depressing,” she said.
“Privacy for patients was definitely an issue, and the ‘builders-cracks’ were a daily reality on that side of the ward.”
Using the example led by Logan Hospital’s palliative care ward, window decals were costed and funded by the NS2 tied fund administered by the PA Research Foundation which has been raising funds for over a decade for discretionary consumer-led projects.
As a regular inpatient over many decades, Consumer Partner Dave attests to the fact there isn’t much he hasn’t seen, heard, smelt or felt and it was his mission to help transform Ward 2E into a happier place with the visual changes.
“Seeing this change was just amazing!” he said.
“I’ve been speaking to people who have been in since the installation and they love it.
“When we do the 15-Steps Challenge, it can feel like stepping from one world into another just transitioning to the next ward – I think we have accomplished that with this uplifting transformation of Ward 2E.”
The Cancer Services Standard Two Committee consulted with 40 recent patients to request their preferences for types of imagery with the resulting selections aligned with percentage feedback. Over 75 per cent of respondents endorsed the beach theme with other choices including countryside settings, mountainside vistas, flower fields and Brisbane icons.
With over half of the windows complete so far, a fun beach wrap around the reception station, and additions to the common areas, Sue said the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with families and patients describing the new surroundings as uplifting, peaceful, and a breath of fresh air.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a therapeutic atmosphere that promotes emotional wellbeing, reduces stress and anxiety, and enhances recovery,” she said.
Consumer Partner Grace said the vibrant curtains also brighten the space and make the whole atmosphere cheerful.
“If you have a calming environment for the patients, it’s also calming for the staff. The big thing about these changes is that it doesn’t really feel like a hospital,” she said.
“We love hearing families talking about how vibrant and friendly it feels when they are coming and going. It’s so encouraging.”
Some of the narratives:
We walked in and couldn't believe it. When my daughter comes to visit she spends ages wanting to touch the sunflowers. It reminds us of home.
It makes me think about family holidays to the beach. When my family has come to visit, we have talked about those holiday memories.
It takes me away from things and I imagine walking in the picture. It’s much better than a dark construction space.