Creating A Child-Friendly Waiting Area

Prior to its creation, the reception area of the Theatre Suite seemed very clinical and plain, as though there was something missing for the children awaiting paediatric surgeries performed on Wednesdays by Drs. Persad and Roop, ENT surgeries on Tuesdays by Dr. Medford's team and dental surgeries by Dr. Leera on Thursdays.

I would pass by and notice the children anxiously awaiting surgery. Some would cuddle up to their parents, hungry, thirsty and anxious. I felt the need to make a difference to these children's lives, that is, through a form of distraction or a way to alleviate their anxieties and reduce the stress that parents face while waiting around for surgery and having to occupy their children. I decided that I would create a child-friendly waiting area.

From my experience as a nurse in the United Kingdom, all health care institutions provide a child-friendly area. I discussed my ideas with Head Nurse, Ms. Tara Balliram-Sankar but was still stymied by how to make this happen. Ms. Balliram-Sankar then approached Paediatrician Dr. Safeeya Mohammed, who also heads the non-governmental organization, SOS Babies, who was very excited about the idea and offered her assistance. Dr. Mohammed supplied us with names of clubs and people who could donate to make this project / dream come true. She referred us to Ms. Gemma Hudson of Friends of the Hospital who actually made the dream a reality.

We decided which cartoon characters we would like on the wall and contacted an artist. Then Gemma got in touch with Graphics Solutions on Cipero Street who gave us a more reasonable time frame in which to complete the wall murals.

My intention was to complete this project for my first year anniversary with South-West Regional Health Authority as the Manager of Main Operating Theatre Services, which was on January 12, 2010. However, the Paediatric Corner was launched on Wednesday 24th February, 2010. This project could not have been completed successfully without the sponsorship of Friends of the Hospital. I also had full support and co-operation from Mr. Praimlal Ramcharan, Hospital Administrator, who donated the paint to change the colour of the background for the paintings.

Thank you to all who made the dream a reality: Ms. Gemma Hudson, Chairperson, Friends of the Hospital; Ms. Safeeya Mohammed, Paediatrician, for all her contributions (puzzles, toy-box and assistance) and Ms. Tara Balliram-Sankar for believing in me and for her assistance in painting and shopping for the toys and accessories.

Now when I am walking around, I see happier, smiling children and less anxious parents.The smiles on their faces make my day and give me the satisfaction that this project was indeed a worthwhile one.

By Ms. Cyd Robley-Lewis, Manager - Main Operating Theatre Services