Clinic room given calming makeover at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
A clinic room at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital has been given a nature‑inspired makeover after a request from a member of staff, with a ceiling mural intended to help patients undergoing skin operations feel more relaxed.
The artwork was funded and organised by Lingen Davies Cancer Support and painted by local artist Charlotte Tisdale. Staff said the project responds to a specific need in the dermatology procedure room, where many patients undergoing removal of skin cancer must lie back and look up for procedures that can last for as long as 45 minutes.
Organisers said the mural aims to be engaging for people of all ages using the clinic. The charity previously worked with Tisdale on a sunflower design in the Lingen Davies waiting area at the hospital, which drew positive feedback from patients and relatives.
“Having any sort of procedure under local anaesthetic when you are awake throughout can be a daunting experience. For our patients requiring skin surgery we wanted them to be looked after in an environment that was calm and inviting.”
That comment came from Helen Childs, a dermatology nurse at the hospital, who initiated the scheme after identifying the need for a more comfortable treatment environment.
Team effort between charity, staff and local artist
Staff and the charity described the scheme as a collaborative effort. Emilie Kerr, events and marketing coordinator at Lingen Davies, said the charity was pleased to extend the work it had done in the centre waiting area into a clinical space.
- Project initiated by nursing staff to improve patient experience.
- Funded and coordinated by Lingen Davies Cancer Support.
- Painted by local artist Charlotte Tisdale to be suitable for both children and adults.
The mural was designed to be interactive and visually calming rather than clinical, recognising that the room is used by a broad range of patients, from children to older adults. Staff involved with the dermatology unit said the visual focus helps distract patients during procedures performed under local anaesthetic.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Royal Shrewsbury Hospital procedure room |
| Lead staff | Helen Childs, dermatology nurse |
| Charity | Lingen Davies Cancer Support |
| Artist | Charlotte Tisdale |
| Typical procedure time | Up to 45 minutes |
Those involved stressed that the mural is part of wider efforts by the charity to make hospital spaces more welcoming. Lingen Davies previously installed a sunflower mural in the centre's waiting area after it received positive feedback from patients and families. The charity said it aims to make a positive difference for local people affected by cancer by improving environments where treatment and support are provided.
Staff at the hospital said the change has immediate practical benefits. Being able to offer a calmer, more inviting environment is intended to reduce anxiety for people undergoing procedures while awake, and to provide something engaging for younger patients who may find clinical settings particularly intimidating.
As the project involved local partners and was supported by a community charity, it also underscores the role of voluntary organisations in shaping patient experience in Shrewsbury. With several hundred people each year seen in dermatology clinics for minor operations or cancer‑related procedures, small changes to the environment can have a cumulative effect on comfort and dignity for patients.
Staff and the charity said they will monitor feedback and consider whether similar artistic interventions might work in other clinical areas across the hospital in future.
