Royal Surrey’s Children’s Ward Transformed Into Undersea Kingdom

Published on: 22 Dec, 2020
Updated on: 26 Dec, 2020

Assym Zaman and his daughter Ayzah, aged 4 years.

Young patients at Royal Surrey this Christmas will find themselves in an underwater kingdom with serene scenes of an underwater sea-world, thanks to Momentum Children’s Charity.

Hascombe, the paediatric ward at the NHS Foundation Trust, has been treated to an extensive underwater makeover, with all walls and corridors now expertly decorated with dolphins, whales and all sorts of colourful sea creatures.

Momentum Children’s Charity supports families across South West London, Surrey and West Sussex whose children are facing cancer or a life-challenging condition.

Senal Soyer, matron of Hascombe, first contacted the charity late last year to see if they would be able to transform the paediatric ward into a magical sea kingdom, after seeing their brilliant work in other NHS Trusts.

Ms Soyer said: “Hospital can be a frightening and intimidating place for anyone, but especially for children. These beautiful murals will be a great distraction and help to make the hospital feel warmer and less like a scary clinical space.

“We chose the under-water sea theme because it is calming and we have noticed the children respond really positively to it.”

Momentum’s murals have also been praised by parents and children. One father, Assym Zaman, who visited Hascombe ward with his four-year-old daughter Ayzah, said: “The cute sea-life murals on the walls make the ward look a lot more welcoming for my daughter when she comes here for treatment.

“I really appreciate the makeover that’s been done because now the place looks and feels more like a nursery school and that definitely helps Ayzah feel less nervous and scared.”

Momentum has supported Royal Surrey since January 2020, funding a part-time family support worker and organising activities for the children such as a virtual visit and singalong session from a Christmas fairy, at their bedside.

Bianca Effemey, founder and CEO of Momentum Children’s Charity, said: “We are so pleased we can help to improve the experience for children and their families at the Royal Surrey. Hospital visits can be incredibly frightening for children, but a bright and calming environment really can make a big difference.

“And a huge thank-you to TP ICAP, Interdealer Broker for their very generous donation which has made this all possible.”