New artwork brings local scenes into Haemodialysis Unit

UHNM Charity has supported the outpatient haemodialysis unit at Stoke in improving the environment of its side rooms with new artwork. Patients often spend four hours at a time in these rooms, three times a week, so staff wanted to introduce something that would make the space feel more welcoming and give patients something meaningful to focus on during treatment.

The unit cares for 225 patients. Many require dialysis on a long term basis, which means repeated visits and long periods in the same clinical environment. Staff identified that the side rooms, used for isolation and infection control, felt plain and offered little stimulation for patients.

Helen Barlow, Sister on the outpatient haemodialysis unit, says,
"We look after 225 patients, many of whom come in three times a week for dialysis. We had charitable funds that we wanted to use to benefit our patients. After discussing ideas with our renal matron, we chose a series of pictures for the side rooms. Patients spend four hours at a time in these rooms, so we wanted something that would give them interest during treatment."

The team selected images that reflect familiar places from the unit’s wide catchment area.
Helen says,
"We chose places from Stone through to Cheshire because that is our catchment area. The feedback has been very positive. Patients recognise the places and appreciate the variety. We have views of the Roaches, Biddulph Grange and other familiar spots."

Staff report that patients are already talking about the locations and sharing their own links to the areas featured in the images. The artwork has also helped soften the clinical feel of the rooms.

Dani Burn, Matron for Renal, says,
"I want to thank the charity for supporting the team. The project reflects the unit’s vision and it has made a clear difference to the experience for patients who spend long periods in the side rooms."

UHNM Charity continues to work with clinical teams across the Trust to support projects that improve patient care and create a more positive environment.