A series of large scale artworks has been installed at the Horton General Children’s Ward making it more friendly and welcoming for young patients.

Staff on the ward worked closely with our Artlink programme and involved patients and families in the process to transform the spaces.

Four areas, including treatment rooms and ward bays, have been given the amazing themed makeovers – including one room which brings the stories and folklore of Banbury to life.

Some of the walls have magnetic elements, allowing children to interact and play with the artwork, whilst others are filled with fun images for children to try to find.

The installations were all funded through the charity, with kind support from Banbury Charities.

Ward Sister, Anna Brain, said: “It’s so lovely to have these new murals brightening up the hospital and bringing a bit of cheer to our children.

“One of the key things to help young patients is making sure there is plenty of play and distraction, so the interactive elements in the pictures helps us engage with the children, which hopefully makes their stay that little bit easier.

“We love all the murals and are so pleased they include scenes from Banbury – such as the Banbury Cross, the fine Lady on her white horse, the bird aviary, the canal and castle and even some dragons!

“These designs used ideas from staff, parents and patients and it has been a great experience working with the charity and the designers to bring it all together.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to the Horton General Hospital Charity and all its donors, if it wasn’t for them this simply wouldn’t have been possible. Everyone loves them." 

Arts Coordinator, Ruth Charity added: “It's been a real pleasure to work so closely with staff from the Horton and Peagreen the designers to develop this programme of artwork to support young patients and their families at what can be a difficult and stressful time.

 “Designs have been carefully created through dialogue with staff, combining their ideas with Peagreen's beautiful artwork to make sure the design for each space meets the specific needs of patients - whether adding imagery to calm in bays, or to distract and engage in waiting and clinical areas.

“It’s wonderful how there is always something new for children to spot and we love the specially designed magnets allow young patients to engage directly with the art, creating their own stories.

“Projects such as this take time and care to get right. We're so grateful for the commitment and thought of all those who have contributed and the generous funders who have made it possible."

Izzy Mathews from Peagreen Design added: “I’m proud to be involved in such a meaningful project to help make a positive difference to the experience for children, parents and staff at the Horton.

“Each room became a wonderful labour of love which I believe is clearly evident from the results. It has been a privilege to be trusted and given the artistic freedom to create these thoughtful pieces.

“This is one of the most rewarding projects Peagreen has been involved in. We would like to thank the wonderful ward staff who thoroughly engaged with the project to give us invaluable insight to the specific needs of the users within each area and the Horton General Hospital Charity for making it possible."

Horton General Hospital Charity is part of Oxford Hospitals Charity, and funds the extras that make a difference for patients and staff. www.hospitalcharity.co.uk/horton

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