News and Notices

New wall decals brighten Wairau Hospital’s Paediatric Department


Wairau Hospital’s Paediatric Department has been given a splash of colour, brightening visits for children.

New decals now grace the walls in the paediatric department

New decals now grace the walls in the paediatric department

Vibrant wall decals inspired by New Zealand’s flora and fauna, story books, colouring books and wildlife posters are now in place thanks to a ‘Pain Reduction through Distraction’ project.

The project aims to alleviate stress often felt by children and their whānau in hospital environments and provide a distraction as they wait for and receive treatment.

Donna Addidle, Service Manager ED, Ortho and RMO, led the project and says it has already made a difference:

“The department has been brought to life, and is now a sanctuary where people can feel at ease, often at a difficult time.

“Support from The Care Foundation and our community helped to make this project possible.”

Designs highlight mountains, forests, plains and coastal landscapes

Designs highlight mountains, forests, plains and coastal landscapes

Decal designs highlight local mountains, forests, plains and coastal landscapes, creating a calm and soothing environment, and creatures such as geckos, king shags, giant land snails and great spotted kiwis appear throughout story books and play activities.

As part of the project, paediatric areas in the emergency department and radiology department at Wairau Hospital, and inpatient and outpatient departments at Nelson Hospital will also be enhanced with decals, creating connection between paediatric services across the region.

The aim of the project was to create a calm environment

The aim of the project was to create a calm environment

If you would like to support this project, please visit thecarefoundation.org.nz to make a donation.