A small team in the CIU have worked their fins off to bring the wonders of the deep blue sea to their treatment room.
The once stark room, used for sometimes unpleasant procedures, has been transformed into an enchanted underwater world, that children have taken to like fish to water!
Our littlest patients now undergo their not-so-fun procedures surrounded by sea turtles, vibrant coral and even a mermaid.
Nurse Navigator Debra Kelly, who initiated the revamp, said while children were busy exploring the ocean depths, the caring CIU team would be there to guide them through, making each procedure as painless and swift as the ocean current.
“My inspiration for a brighter and more interactive treatment room started in August 2022 when I spent an extended amount of time assisting in a lengthy medical procedure,” she said.
“The room itself was extremely bare and clinical with only two or three Nemo-related pictures and some paper decorations hanging from the ceiling as a distraction for the children.”
Soon after, the ‘shells aligned’ and Debra connected with local champion Michelle Shea whose donation to the hospital moved the room makeover from wishlist to reality.
Michelle, a dynamic local Zumba instructor, said she ran a fundraiser each year to put money back into the local community and made the decision to donate the 2023 funds to Logan Hospital.
“I wanted be able to see firsthand the positive difference our contribution could make and where better to donate than a hospital that so many of us access?” she said.
Together with a small working group, Deb and Michelle spent countless hours sourcing appropriate infection control approved vinyl stickers and even a projector light to complete the underwater realm.
All involved said the room has already made a big difference to patients, with the splash of fun and sprinkle of magic helping turn worries into wonder and proving the power of community, creativity, and compassion.