Created by local artist James Colmer, the artwork features familiar views of St Peter Port, with one mural offering a calming harbour scene and the other providing an interactive distraction for children.
The waiting area has also been fitted with new seating and an infographic explaining what happens during an ED visit, in an effort to remove the fear of the unknown.
Head of creative health Lottie Rowan said the project, funded by the Friends of the PEH charity, was designed to make the experience less stressful for patients and visitors.
‘We know that waiting in ED can be stressful, so we wanted to look at how we could improve that experience,’ she said.
‘Walking into a hospital is like an alien environment. It doesn’t feel relatable, so we rely very much on familiar scenes like this one for comfort.’
Mr Colmer spent approximately four weeks developing the artwork, which included selecting the perfect viewpoint – overlooking the harbour from the top of the Arcade Steps.
The mural features the Town Church and views towards Herm and Sark, with its calming pastel colours carefully chosen to complement the refurbished waiting area.
‘I’m kind of known for quite bright colours, but I toned it down to make sure it’s more of a calming environment,’ he said.
‘There are loads of places around the island which you could choose, but there was another piece I did elsewhere which some of the hospital staff connected with – a view of St Peter Port looking back from Travel Trident. And so we thought it would be lovely to get from St Peter Port, looking out over the islands – it’s such a magnificent view. Hopefully, this will help patients get their minds off things, maybe thinking about their happy times going across to Herm and Sark.’
The artwork was painted in his home studio before being professionally photographed and printed, allowing it to be installed with minimal disruption to the department.
His second mural, aimed at children, features a colourful illustrated view of town, with youngsters encouraged to find Steven Seagull and his friends hidden throughout the scene.
‘I’ve got an illustration background. I did illustration as a degree,’ he said.
‘Though my style now is more of the main painting, I’m quite adaptable to suit whatever the needs of the hospital are. This was a fun project, being able to use different creative styles.’
Mr Colmer is also developing Steven Seagull’s presence throughout the hospital, with an interactive activity for young patients linked to the mural’s friendly character.
The new infographic, designed by GIO Works, explains the different stages of an ED visit, including why some patients may be seen before others.
Ms Rowan said understanding the process could help reduce anxiety and offer a sense of understanding, particularly when patients who arrived later are called in first.
‘What’s really important is that we explain to patients and visitors the pathway,’ she said.
‘Fundamentally, my job is about making the experience less stressful and as easy as possible for the patients.’
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