Murals bring forward therapeutic power of art in pediatric space of Chilliwack General Hospital ED

Submarine-themed room inspired by the yellow submarine room at Abbotsford Regional Hospital. Photos submitted

ARTIST Dean Lauze and team — wife Christina and son Josh — jumped at the chance to get involved with helping to design a cartoon-style submarine-themed mural for the pediatric space in the Emergency Department at Chilliwack General Hospital.

Lauze was inspired by his earlier work at Abbotsford Regional Hospital where his team created a yellow submarine — ultimately influenced by The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” — themed space.

In what could be an otherwise daunting experience for children, who respond differently to environmental stressors, the murals bring forward the therapeutic power of art in health care settings.

This project was funded by the Mount Cheam Lions Charitable Society through an estate gift from Lion Bonnie Weigle.

The mural gives the sense of sitting in a submarine and looking through port holes into the ocean.

Tracy Stoneson, manager of Clinical Operations, Chilliwack ED, ICU, notes: “Visiting the emergency department can be a very scary experience for a child. The addition of two pediatric friendly murals has allowed us to have warm, interactive, and inviting spaces for children to receive care. Creating pediatric friendly spaces in our Emergency Department would not have been possible without the support of the Lions Club and the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation”.

Murals are funded by Mount Cheam Lions Charitable Society

The murals are said to bring a smile to everyone during tough visits to the Emergency Department. For that reason design strategies help support well-being for patients, families and staff to provide more supportive care environments.

Children use distraction to divert attention from stress provoking stimuli and the murals, in the ER, definitely promote the mind to be curious about creatures under the sea.

 

To support projects like this one, you can contact Dr. Jassal at 778-552-5117 or email: Lakhbir.Jassal@fraserhealth.ca.
The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation raises funds for vital equipment and programs funded or endorsed by the Fraser Health Authority. They serve the communities of Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Hope, Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs.
Visit: fvhcf.ca
Call: 604-851-4890
Email: info@fvhcf.ca