With funding from the League of Friends, ArtCare helped Downton Ward to implement their vision of how they wanted their ward to look. Staff on the ward wanted to create an up to date, fresh and welcoming ward atmosphere for patients and staff. The ward was looking tired and had not had any refurbishment for 20 years. ArtCare together with the staff identified the areas that needed improvement, which included a focus for patients in side rooms and better signage.

The ward staff’s vision was to have pictures of the village of Downton and its surrounding countryside. ArtCare’s Lesley Self went out with her camera one evening and captured over 600 images for the team to look through and decide which should be displayed on the ward. They found it very difficult to narrow down their final selection.

Sister Paula Dawson said, “Even though this project was small, the creation of welcoming surroundings has had a very positive impact on ward morale. We have improved all three of our side rooms by adding ceiling tiles, which will be visible for those in bed, and artwork detailing the local landscape that will provide a virtual view to the outside world. The window film will be an interesting distraction for patients, overcoming boredom and stress and also helping with privacy. The new signage that was also installed enables patients and visitors to clearly identify the different areas. We are most grateful to the League of Friends and ArtCare for the support we have received in being able to make this happen. We have had so many positive comments from patients, families and other staff visiting the ward about the artwork and improvements we have made.”