Recently SHINE provided funding for Elm House, a rehabilitation and recovery unit in Gateshead, to purchase Canvas pictures of the North East coast to decorate the walls of the ward.
Elm House in Gateshead is a recovery unit converted from a nursing home, which has been recently redecorated. The ward itself has a homely feel to it, having the additional touch of calming coastal prints will make the patient experience more relaxing in communal areas and patient bedrooms.
Elm House's patients and staff discussed the theme of the pictures and decided that a coastal theme would be calming especially the North East coast as patients and staff are familiar with the area.
Photos include local harbours, castles, beach-huts and lighthouses which can be used as points of discussion in the unit as well as being references to use in art groups that patients are involved with.
This project shows how donor support can make a meaningful difference to people's everyday experiences while in hospital. Small changes can have a significant impact on wellbeing, helping patients feel more comfortable, reducing anxiety and creating spaces that support recovery. Thanks to SHINE's funding, Elm House is now an even more welcoming place for patients, families and staff.
Sarah McCarthy, Ward Manager at Elm House said,
"The canvases will allow for better patient wellbeing, having a more welcoming and calming environment for patients. Making the ward feel less clinical, having calming prints on the wall rather than clinical posters."
