A mural of Saumarez Park by James Colmer is now displayed along the orthopaedic ward’s corridor, bring the outside world in and creating a calming environment.
‘The ward is in the oldest part of the hospital and I’ve done some art in other parts so it was time to brighten up the De Sausmarez ward to make it look less sterile and clinical,’ said Mr Colmer.
‘Being called De Sausmarez ward, it was only fitting to make the artwork of Saumarez Park.’
The mural stretches most of the length of the corridor, giving a visual tour of the park, and contains different reference points as an addition to patients’ treatment.
‘It has two uses really, it can be used for physiotherapy and patients can walk down the corridor trying to reach the next reference point and walk that tiny bit further,’ said Mr Colmer.
‘It could also be used for reminiscing, perhaps for patients with dementia.’
The rest of the corridor has also received a slight upgrade, with the walls and ceiling painted a sky blue, and new doors, both to complement the colour palette of the murals.
Mr Colmer created the artwork on a smaller scale to the murals. The pieces were then photographed in a large format ahead of them being printed on vinyl and transferred to the wall for hygiene reasons.
‘The ward has a lovely feel to it and is really light and bright,’ said ward sister Ruth Hargreaves.
‘With the murals depicting the walk through Saumarez Park, it really helps staff to monitor the distances our service users have walked which is really important in orthopaedics.’
The murals have been well received by both staff and patients, and Mr Colmer said he had only received positive feedback.
The original paintings of the park scenes are on display on level two of the hospital.
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