Our Children’s Emergency Department (ED) at Queen’s Hospital has been revamped with new artwork, giving the children who visit us a more calming experience.

Abbi Spurdle, one of our Play Specialists, explained the importance of creating a “child-friendly” atmosphere in our hospitals: “The environment around us can impact the way we think and feel. Hospitals can be a scary place for children, so it is important we help relax the children who come and see us.”

Each of the murals were designed with children in mind; several children who visited our ED were asked for their opinion on some example artwork of different colours, patterns and styles. The overwhelming majority told us they liked the bright coloured and real life drawing as opposed to the cartoon ones.

While visiting with her two-year-old son, a mother described the mural as a “great addition” to the department and said: “It really does make the kids happy to look at the bright colours, especially compared to a boring white wall.”

Harinder Sahota, Children’s Emergency Department Service Manager said: “The colourful and bright murals here make everyone happy, including children, parents and our staff. We have really noticed a difference for everyone.”

Our Children’s EDs at Queen’s and King George hospitals are open 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week and we are here to look after you and your family.