I spent a very productive 2 days on the A and E ward, meeting with many members of staff, patients and their families. All the staff were very friendly and informative and were very interested in the idea of artwork in the new build, but also desperate for something in the existing department. Some of the patients made images with me on the computer, choosing colours, favourite animals and other imagery they enjoyed.
Reponses
My initial response to the Sick Kids A and E is that it has a very ‘family’ atmosphere. All the staff seem to know each other well and it seems do their best to create a warm and friendly environment, this is often what can get lost in the move to a new build. Artworks therefore need to create a familiar and human element to the new build. One member of staff, had photos he had taken of Edinburgh and I pointed out that I could use these in the work, with a text board to credit him. If any other members of staff have photos they have taken it may be possible to incorporate them into the artworks too.
Staff talked about how the kids often really enjoyed favourite cartoon characters, this however is not something that cannot be utilised, (by me anyway!) because of copyright issues. However when staff saw previous work, it was pointed out that many cartoon characters are animals – the penguins of Madagascar, or Dumbo the Elephant and therefore the animal thematic could be discussed with kids in relation to cartoons. Another important point that the Disability Liaison Nurse pointed out was that many autistic kids were actually quite frightened by flat painted, primary colours and that the photographic subtlety would work much better. Having said this, another member of staff pointed out that kids with visual impairment would need bold images – this can also be achieved photographically, by playing with scale and colour contrasts.
Treatment Beds
Several points came out of this stage of the consultation, the first and most strongly felt by staff was that it would be hugely beneficial to have images on the ceiling above the beds. This was to distract children when painful procedures are taking place. It was suggested that the images could incorporate certain puzzles etc so staff could get the children to really concentrate on the images, rather than what was happening. Whilst these images need to distract, they also need to have a calming and soothing feel to them.
Ideas for images:
· Images that contain an animal or ‘thing’ that begins with every letter of the alphabet (for older kids).
· Images that you have to search for things (a bit like Where’s Wally Books).
· Images that have a certain number of for example ladybirds.
· Images of skies, which have a more peaceful, feel to them.
The Entrance
The entrance to A and E was also discussed and whilst it was recognised that patients were often rushed into the department in a high state of anxiety, it was also deemed as important to create a calming and uplifting environment. It was also pointed out that this area was not a place where you would want patients hanging around looking at the images for too long, as they may block access. Images of places that children recognise would create a more familiar environment.
Ideas for Images:
· Images of countryside and sweeping landscapes around Edinburgh
· Butterflies, birds and flowers (to create an uplifting feel)
· Images of local parks etc (to create a familiarity)
Waiting Areas
These are places where parents are anxious, children and their siblings bored. Another issue here, as Sam (the play specialist pointed out) was that kids would often draw on anything other than paper, so any artwork needs to be very easily cleanable!
Ideas for Images:
· Images that contain places that kids and parents recognise
· Images that contain scenarios, local stories etc to discuss
· Maybe to incorporate text that suggests ways of looking at the images (making it easier for anxious parents)
Next Stage
My plans are to return to Edinburgh at the end of January, to spend some more time with staff and patients. Having taken some pictures on this visit, I will bring with me some images I have made based on the responses above. There have been many suggestions of other parts of Edinburgh that could be incorporated into the images, so I would like to also spend some time taking more pictures. These can be used to make more images with patients and gain feedback from staff.
On my next visit I would also like to meet with the architects and design team of the new build to discuss the plans and see where, what and how artworks can be incorporated into the new build. Also on this visit, it would be valuable to see what may be possible for the existing department – therefore a meeting with infection control and or technical staff would be beneficial.
All the above are based on my initial visit to Sick Kids, I am sure there is much more to uncover and welcome any feedback from Staff in regards to other areas, images etc for the artworks.
Images made by patients below
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