Eye-catching artwork has brought a splash of colour and familiarity to a new “frailty friendly” area at University Hospital Monklands.
A cubicle in the emergency department (ED) now has a mural depicting local landmarks, designed to ease anxiety and spark happy memories among older, frailer patients, who may be unsettled by their hospital visit.
Dr Nicola Moultrie (pictured left), consultant in emergency medicine at Monklands, explained: “A recent research study showed that one in six of the patients who come to our ED are living with frailty.
“They may have dementia, pre-existing cognitive impairment or an acute delirium, meaning they can find it stressful and disorientating when they visit a busy ED.
“We’ve previously had areas including the children’s waiting room and the relatives’ room painted with murals, making them more interesting and calming.
“I’m the ED’s liaison consultant for frailty/medicine for older adults so I was keen to do so something similar for this group of patients.
“We’re absolutely delighted with the finished product – it looks fantastic! The staff feel that having an area that appears less clinical is an important part of the person-centred care we want to provide all our patients.
“The mural includes views of historic landmarks that are near the hospital in Airdrie. This means the cubicle not only looks much nicer but also provides points of discussion for patients, relatives and staff, to help with orientation.”
The mural was created by artist Luisa Preston (pictured right), of Cocozzaesthetic in Strathaven, who was keen to help due to a personal experience of dementia.
Luisa, originally from Hamilton, said: “Nicola told me this would be the preferred space for older patients who may be suffering confusion, distress or other challenges such as dementia.
“I instantly wanted to help because my dad experienced early-onset dementia in the last few years of his too-short life before we lost him 11 years ago. As an art student, I worked part-time in a dementia care home and learned how important long-term memories are, and the power of nostalgia and images.
“Our theme was landmarks of the area and I found five images I wanted to use. They are the entrance to Summerlee Museum in Coatbridge and the iron works there, Monkland Canal, an old tram, and the Whitelaw Memorial Fountain in Coatbridge.
“Every colour was carefully created by myself – the priority was to create a calm, reassuring space, and the colours were as important as the images.
“Everyone at Monklands was so helpful, positive and friendly. It was a joy to work there and give something back to the dedicated NHS Lanarkshire staff.”
