A new coastal-themed wall vinyl has transformed a dedicated waiting area in the Sunrise Centre at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, creating a calmer and more welcoming environment for patients arriving on stretcher trolleys for treatment.
The mural has been installed in a designated area used by patients who are unable to sit upright and are waiting for appointments and treatment while lying on a stretcher trolley. Many of these patients travel to the Sunrise Centre from hospices, community settings or their own homes and are often accompanied by relatives and carers.
Featuring a tranquil sea scene, the artwork helps soften the clinical environment and provides a more relaxing space for patients and their loved ones during what can be an anxious time.
The project was funded through donations to the Sunrise Centre (Clinical Oncology) Fund following fundraising by the William IV pub in Truro. Inspired by a cause that customer Lee Barr is passionate about, the pub’s team rallied behind efforts to raise money for the fund and support patients receiving cancer care. Continuing that commitment, Lee is set to run the London Marathon in 2027 to raise further money for the charity.
As well as funding the wall vinyl, money raised by the William IV has supported other projects designed to improve the experience of patients undergoing treatment for brain tumours and others receiving care at the centre.
Zoe Rowett, Radiotherapy Service Manager, said: “We are incredibly grateful to The William IV and everyone who supported their fundraising efforts. This area is used by patients who are unable to sit up and need to remain on a stretcher while waiting for appointments and treatment. The sea-scene mural has transformed the space, making it feel much less clinical and providing a more peaceful environment for patients and their relatives. The fundraising has not only funded this project but has also helped us support a number of other improvements for patients receiving treatment for brain tumours and other cancers. The generosity of our local community is making a real difference to patient care and experience.”