Designed to bring the feeling of the outdoors inside, the ceiling-mounted digital sky tiles feature realistic images of blue skies, clouds and nature scenes, enhanced with gentle lighting and movement effects. They can also connect to patients own devices allowing them to view their own photos and videos. The installations have been fitted in key areas of the ward, including a treatment room and observation cubicle, where they are helping to create a more relaxing environment for children and young people during their hospital stay.
Research has shown that access to natural imagery and calming visual environments can help reduce stress and anxiety in healthcare settings. The Sky Tiles support a holistic approach to patient care by providing a positive focal point for young patients during treatment and recovery.
Funding for the project was provided through generous donations to Northamptonshire Health Charity, who are dedicated to improving the experience of patients at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and across Northamptonshire NHS Foundation Trust.
Alison Spice, Head of Expenditure at Northamptonshire Health Charity, said:
It’s fantastic to see how projects like this can make such a difference for young patients. By creating a brighter, more welcoming environment, we’re helping to make hospital stays a little less daunting and more comforting for children and their families.
The Sky Tiles are now being used as part of therapeutic support on the ward. Healthcare Play Specialists can incorporate the images into distraction techniques during procedures, helping children focus on calming visual stimuli. The installations are particularly beneficial for younger patients, providing engaging imagery to look at during treatment, while older children and young people can use the scenes as part of guided imagery exercises and breathing techniques.
Claire Green from Sky Lark Ward explained the impact the installation is already having on patients:
Within the first few minutes of seeing the tiles, they were already having exactly the impact we had hoped for. When the tiles were first installed, one of our long-term patients was over the moon to see the transformation. At first, he quietly took everything in, looking through each of the images before choosing to display the fish scene. He then turned to Allan, who had installed the system, and simply said, ‘Thank you.’
The installation represents a lasting investment in the wellbeing of young patients, helping to create a more welcoming and reassuring environment at a time when children and their families may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed.