Friends of St Cross help brighten up Mulberry Ward

The team is pictured in part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Rehabilitation Centre which is at the end of Mulberry ward and has recently been decorated with a mural on the walls which carries through to etchings on the windows.

The mural was funded by the Friends of St Cross and created by Midlands-based artist Lynne Hollingsworth. It brings the outside in, with flower designs, beautiful window frostings and even a hidden squirrel, affectionately named Lee.

Clare Noden, ward manager for the Oak Ward, said: “We are so grateful for all the support we receive from the community through the Friends of St Cross.

“These gifts make a great difference for both patients and the staff on the wards.”

Mulberry’s dayroom is now the ideal spot for patients to enjoy arts, reminiscence and afternoon tea with the ward’s activity co-ordinator, she said.

Also pictured is the ‘Artie Art cart’ which visit wards weekly and offers patients something creative and enjoyable to do during a stay in hospital. Activities are for all ages and include painting, embroidery, sketch sets, card games, crosswords and dominoes, given to patients for free to keep and take home.

This project is jointly funded by the Friends and the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Charity and is just one of many creative enhancements that for the Healing Arts Programme at UHCW, bringing visual and participatory arts to patients and their families.

To find out more about the Friends of St Cross and how you can help, go to fsx.org.uk