Facelift for cancer wards at Leeds Children’s Hospital

Around 150 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer every year in Yorkshire, with treatment mainly being given in Leeds, which is the largest specialist centre for children’s cancer in the North East.

A spokesperson said: "Children and young people can spend weeks and months in hospital during treatment, and even those able to go home between treatments must visit regularly for monitoring.

"Depending on the type of treatment they require, patients may need to visit the Children’s Hospital at either the Leeds General Infirmary or St James’s Hospital.

"Some areas which patients frequently visit had not been redecorated for over 16 years, with families and staff noting that the decor was ‘dated’, ‘dull’, and ‘depressing’."

Working alongside Leeds Children’s Hospital, Candlelighters commissioned new décor which incorporated feedback from families to make the areas more welcoming for young patients.

The new décor features jungle and woodland themes with colourful scenery and animals, helping to reduce stress and anxiety for families and helping children feel more at ease.

The designs also provide fun distractions for children and teenagers while undergoing medical procedures.

Sophie, aged 19, has been receiving treatment for leukaemia in Leeds for the last five years and was delighted to see parrots featuring in the new décor – just like her own stuffed parrot ‘Ozzy’.

Sophie said: “I remember counting the ‘Ozzys’ around clinic with Chelsey (Candlelighters’ Youth Support Worker).

"Chelsey would always stay with my Ozzy and take pictures of him with his friends when I was getting my lumbar puncture.”

Claire Jobe, Clinical Nurse Specialist at the children’s radiotherapy department, thanked Candlelighters and everyone else who had helped to create the improved space. She said: “This collaborative work has created a fantastic environment for children and young people. The area is now age-appropriate, so patients will feel more relaxed having their treatment and have a better experience all round.”

Emily Wragg, CEO of Candlelighters, said: “We’ve been working closely alongside Leeds Children’s Hospital for over 50 years now to provide care and support for young people with cancer and their families.

"Hospital can be a scary and lonely place for children, so it’s vital the environment is as relaxing as it can be.

"We’re delighted to have been able to install new graphics and replace furniture which has helped to transform the hospital experience for the families we support. It’s heart-warming to receive so much positive feedback from families and NHS staff about the difference it has made.”

Emily added: “The project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of some key local businesses and foundations.

"Fastsigns Leeds, a specialist sign and visual solutions company in the region, printed and installed the graphics, giving large discounts and undertaking much of the installation for free.

"I’d also like to thank the Susie P Foundation, Kirkby Foundation, George A Moore Foundation, Addleshaw Goddard Charitable Trust, West Riding Masonic Lodge, and Gripple Foundation for providing funding towards this special project.

"It’s the support of local communities that means we can ensure children and young people with cancer can be given the best environment and support possible during such difficult times.”

To find out more about the work of Candlelighters and how you can get involved to improve the lives of children and young people with cancer, visit their website here: https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/