Tiles installed in hospital to help young patients

The new interactive LED ceiling tiles aim to calm child patients at the hospital

Children waiting for surgery at a Shropshire hospital now have a welcome distraction thanks to 12 new interactive LED ceiling tiles.

The League of Friends at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) in Gobowen, Oswestry, funded the tiles for the hospital's paediatric anaesthetic room and recovery area.

Six have already been installed featuring a vibrant coral reef with fish and a sea turtle.

The hospital said the tiles help create a more child-friendly environment within their theatres and aim to provide a calming distraction and reduce anxiety for children undergoing surgery.

Colleagues from the hospital will take on a sponsored walk to say thank you for the installation

Madeleine Good, paediatric sister within recovery at RJAH, led the request for support from the League of Friends.

Ms Good said: "Coming into hospital can be extremely daunting for anyone, especially children.

"We're very grateful for the support we've received from the League of Friends.

"It has allowed us to create a child-friendly environment, helping to ease children's fears and anxieties."

Victoria Sugden, the charity's director, said: "The League of Friends is dedicated to making a real difference to patients at RJAH and we are delighted to have funded these ceiling tiles.

"We know that hospital visits can be overwhelming for children, so providing a calming and engaging environment is incredibly important – these beautiful, vibrant images will offer a welcome distraction for our young patients."

To express their thanks, Ms Good and a group of colleagues will be participating in a sponsored walk up Cader Idris on Saturday 10 May to support the League of Friends.