Undersea adventure for hospital kids

by Lesley Wilkinson
AN UNDERSEA adventure awaits patients at Warrington Hospital’s children’s ward – complete with moveable fish.
The entrance and main corridor have been transformed into a sea world with hundreds of movable sea creatures. The interactive mural has been created to help distract children from the realities of their stay in hospital.
Children, nurses and doctors will find themselves under the beautiful briny sea when they step onto the ward.
Children’s matron Jane Scott said: “We’re delighted with our underwater world. The ward is a lot brighter and exciting. The children can choose a favourite fish which can move about the ward to keep them company during their stay – it’s a fantastic distraction and comfort.”
The sea creatures have been funded by McInerney Homes and produced by Think Ambient. The hundreds of colourful ocean dwellers have been made from Clings, which are special electrostatic stickers that fix to practically any surface but cause no damage when removed.
To help fund the project the local Sky Home Service team raised more than £1,100 during a race night in July. Many local businesses donated items to a raffle and auction.
Warrington artist Anthony Turk, the creator of Warrington’s Big Pink Eye, spent three weeks painting the background to the nautical fresco on the corridors.
Anthony’s work is not yet done. Jane and the staff hope to raise more funds to extend the sea world throughout the ward. So, everyone will be sharing their stay in hospital with whales, dolphins, giant turtles, sharks, shrimp and scuba divers.
Pictured: (back left to right) artist Anthony Turk, Tapinder Chauhan director of Think Ambient, Stephen Grant from McInerney, and the team from Sky In-Home Services West 101 with members of the children’s ward at the front.