Hospital stays for children with cancer in the Bristol area are now more positive and stimulating, thanks to Armstrong Ceiling Solutions and its chosen charity, Rays of Sunshine.
The refurbishment of the oncology day beds unit at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, part of the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, includes acoustic ceilings featuring sky scenes and shoals of fish to reflect its new name, the Ocean Unit.
The ceiling systems donated by Armstrong, totalling almost 300sq m, were installed for free as a part of a ward wish by specialist sub-contractor, H + L Ceilings.
The BioGuard tiles feature anti-bacterial benefits and were finished with a coating of sky scenes in the recovery bay for older children, a school of fish swimming down a river in the reception/waiting area corridor, and a shoal of fish in a small treatment room.
The old tiles from the 10-bed ward were sent to Armstrong's factory in Gateshead for recycling and the company's streamlined TLS grid, which is up to 20% faster to install, replaced the existing suspension system.
Armstrong became involved in the project after its chosen charity, Rays of Sunshine, identified the refurbishment of the ward, which had not been updated for 15 years, under its Hospital Ward Wish programme.
This works to decorate rooms to transform sterile spaces into stimulating environments which provide a distraction and enable children to respond better to treatment.
The refurbishment of the Ocean Unit, which has two six-bed bays and four single rooms as well as four consulting rooms, also included new wall art and furniture.
Jane Sharpe, chief executive of Rays of Sunshine, said: "The ceiling makeover will make such a massive difference to the children visiting the ward for treatment. It will make their time there so much more bearable and will put lots of smiles on lots of faces."
Jane Thomas, donations co-ordinator for the children's services division of University Hospitals Bristol, added: "The work has made the area a brighter but still calm place for the children to be in, with the fish gently swimming through.
“Especially popular is the large bay under the tropical picture where the children can recover following treatment."
BioGuard tiles are cleanable and perform to Sound Absorption Class C and Clean Room Classification ISO 5. They are also 85% light reflecting and 95% humidity resistant and manufactured from 42% recycled content.
- Companies:
- Armstrong Ceilings
- University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
- H+L Ceilings
