A local art student has brightened up the children’s ward (Dolphin Ward) at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), creating murals of colourful sea creatures onto windows and walls for children to enjoy.
Abbie Castle, from Letchworth, was inspired after Tess May, paediatric staff nurse on Dolphin Ward, asked for her artistic input. Abbie’s mum is a special educational needs coordinator (SENDCO) at a primary school and she supported by asking students in year five and six classes the types of scenes they would like to see if they were staying in hospital.
After preparing the templates at home, Abbie gave up two days of her own time in December to transform the windows into magical underwater scenes that include dolphins, sea lions and octopuses to brighten up the view for children staying on the ward. She has now returned to finish the project and delivered a marine themed painted board featuring a dolphin, various fish and underwater plants to welcome people to Dolphin Ward.
Tess said: “I have known Abbie for many years and was very impressed with her artistic skills when I saw some of her A level work, so I asked if she might help us brighten up Dolphin Ward. The underwater scenes she has created have had a truly positive impact and are being enjoyed, not just by the children in our care, but by colleagues and visitors.”
Abbie said: “I was so pleased and honoured to be asked to help brighten up the Dolphin Ward for children staying at the hospital. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and creative process and I hope that patients and staff alike love the artwork.”
Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive, added: “My sincere thanks to Abbey for transforming the walls and windows on Dolphin Ward into these magical underwater scenes and brightening the view for the young people in our care.”