Much-loved local children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson is the inspiration behind a beautiful newly-refurbished Isolation Room on Casey Ward at Epsom Hospital which was installed last week.
Bright and colourful images inspired by Dame Jacqueline Wilson’s books, such as Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather, now adorn the previously plain and clinical walls of the Isolation Room, where very sick children can spend up to several days at a time being treated.
The room has been completely renovated and redesigned by local children’s charity Momentum, made possible thanks to the generous donation of £7,000 donated by St Faith’s Trust.
With images of children playing in the sea, a hot air balloon and children jumping up and down for joy, each scene on the walls of the Isolation Room tells a story. The storyboard idea was a collaboration between Dame Jacqueline Wilson and illustrator Nick Sharratt, who provided many of the original illustrations for Jacqueline Wilson’s books. Graphic artist Tudor Morris, who as a teenager was supported by Momentum, also assisted the project. Dame Jacqueline Wilson said: “I'm so pleased and proud that Tudor has designed such a wonderful room using Nick Sharratt's illustrations from my books. If looking at the pictures gives a sick child some entertainment or comfort I shall be so happy.”
Casey Ward manager Karen Kilday said: “The new Isolation Room looks so bright and inviting and really engages you, which is so important when you think that some children can spend several days at a time in this room. We are very grateful to Momentum and St Faith’s Trust for making this refurbishment possible.”
In addition to refurbishing large areas of the Paediatric Department at Epsom Hospital to enhance the healing environment, Momentum provides emotional and practical support to many families at the hospital as part of its Family Support Programme.
Momentum, based in Kingston-upon-Thames, receives no government funding so relies entirely on the support of the public and funds raised through its charity work. To find out more about the charity visit www.moment-um.org
Submitted by Yvonne Winborn
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