Hospital's magical murals become TikTok hit

The murals have been created to help cheer up hospital patients

Murals created at a hospital as part of a £15,000 transformation have become a hit on TikTok.

The magical scenes featuring unicorns, dinosaurs and sea animals were painted on the walls approaching the children’s ward at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

Artists Daniel Russell-Ahern and Simon Greenaway, also known as Mural Trader, created the murals to help relax young patients on arrival.

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) said TikTok videos of the creations had attracted more than 600,000 views combined.

Mr Russell-Ahern, from Sutton Coldfield, and Mr Greenaway, from Wednesfield, spent eight days on the artworks, which were funded by the RWT Charity.

Mr Russell-Ahern said: “It’s totally changed the space. We normally do bars and business spaces but it doesn’t give you the same reward as hospitals because the places never really sleep.

“Even when you’re painting at 02:00 or 03:00, there’s always people engaging with you, and that makes it more special.”

Artist Mr Russell-Ahern, right, said the murals 'totally changed' the space

Sarah Lewis, matron of children’s specialities and outpatients at the trust’s charity, said she approached the artists after seeing similar work at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“As this is one of the first areas children and young people and their families see, I felt having artwork would help reduce anxiety and be a nice start to patients’ journey with us,” she said.

The murals have been painted on walls near the children's ward

Similar artwork will also be created in the adolescent waiting area in children’s outpatients and the phlebotomy room to “create a calming atmosphere”.

Amanda Winwood, RWT Charity development manager, said: “We are delighted with the work Daniel and Simon have done – it has brightened up the spaces beyond recognition.”