We’re absolutely delighted to celebrate the new décor across several wards and clinics at Leeds Children’s Hospital, helping to improve medical settings for children and young people with cancer.
Working alongside Leeds Children’s Hospital, Candlelighters commissioned the new décor, incorporating feedback from families to make the areas more welcoming for children and young people.
Children and young people can spend weeks and months in hospital during treatment, and even those able to go home between treatments, still have to visit regularly. Depending on the type of treatment they require, patients may need to visit the Children’s Hospital at either the Leeds General Infirmary or St James’ Hospital.
Some areas children and families visit, had not been redecorated for over 16 years, so it was time for a much-needed change.
The new décor features jungle and woodland themes, with colourful scenery and animals, helping to reduce stress and anxiety for families and helping children to feel more at ease.
The designs also provide fun distractions for children and young people while undergoing medical procedures. Sophie, aged 19, has been receiving treatment for leukaemia in Leeds for the last five years, and was delighted to see parrots featured in the new décor, just like her own stuffed parrot ‘Ozzy’.
Sophie said, “I remember counting the ‘Ozzys’ around clinic with Chelsey (our Youth Support Worker). Chelsey would always stay with my Ozzy and take pictures of him with his friends when I was getting my lumbar puncture.”
At Candlelighters, we’ve been working closely alongside Leeds Children’s Hospital for over 50 years now to provide care and support for young people with cancer and their families. Hospital can be a scary place for children, so it’s vital the environment is as relaxing as it can be.
Claire Jobe, Clinical Nurse Specialist at the children’s radiotherapy department thanked Candlelighters and everyone who had helped to create the improved space.
She said, “This collaborative work has created a fantastic environment for children and young people. The area is now age-appropriate, so patients will feel more relaxed having their treatment and have a better experience all round.”
We’re delighted to have been able to install new graphics and replace furniture which has helped to transform the hospital experience for the families we support, and it’s heartwarming to receive so much positive feedback from families and NHS staff about the difference it has made.
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of some key local businesses and foundations. FASTSIGNS Leeds, printed and installed the graphics, giving large discounts and undertaking much of the work for free.
This special project would also not be possible without the generous support of the Susie P Foundation, Kirkby Foundation, George A Foundation, Addleshaw Goddard Charitable Trust, West Riding Masonic Lodge and Gripple Foundation.
It’s the support of local communities that means we can ensure children and young people with cancer can be given the best environment and support possible during such difficult times.
