Young patients facing surgery at Morriston Hospital are benefiting from a colourful new interactive art trail designed to reduce anxiety and make their journey to theatre a more positive experience.

Created by children’s author and illustrator Jo Lindley, the trail transforms the route from the children’s ward to operating theatres with a series of engaging murals, games and visual challenges that encourage children to move, play and explore along the way.

Funded by Swansea Bay Health Charity and Swansea Bay University Health Board’s Estates team, the project was developed in partnership with the Arts in Health team, paediatric staff, play specialists and BAYouth, the Health Board’s youth advisory panel.

The trail spans around 20 locations throughout the hospital and includes funny poses, acrobatics, hidden discoveries and film-themed puzzles suitable for a range of ages. The experience culminates in large-scale feature murals at theatre destinations, helping to turn what can be a daunting journey into an imaginative adventure.

The project was inspired by evidence showing that reducing stress and anxiety before surgery can have a positive impact on patients’ overall experience and recovery.

Following positive feedback from staff, patients and families, the project has already been expanded to include an additional mural space and an accompanying activity book, also designed by Jo Lindley, to help entertain children before and after surgery.

The trail is expected to benefit hundreds of children and families each year, helping to create a calmer, more welcoming environment for young patients at one of the most important moments of their hospital journey.

Catrin Jones, Digital Fundraising & Engagement Officer at Swansea Bay Health Charity, said:

“Projects like this represent exactly what Swansea Bay Health Charity is all about: going above and beyond core NHS funding to enhance patient wellbeing and improve experiences for patients and their families.