Mural brings colour to young lives

TOUCHED BY the struggles of the young patients at the Bustamante Hospital for Children in St Andrew, muralist Jane Barnes has transformed what was once a dull grey wall at the entrance to the facility into an explosion of colour designed to lift their spirits.

After months of working assiduously with the help of friends, community members and sponsor, Edgechem Jamaica Ltd, the mural was presented to the hospital during a hand-over ceremony yesterday.

The mural is designed with the images of cartoon characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.

Barnes said though the process was challenging, she was elated to be part of the project, and lauded the efforts of everyone who assisted her in making it a success.

"I am extremely proud of the work that we have done over the past few months. We wanted to create something that both the children and their parents could relate to and give them support as they enter the hospital," she disclosed.

Good for recovery, tranquility

Meanwhile, chairman of the South East Regional Health Authority, Lyttleton Shirley, expressed gratitude for the therapeutic gift to the hospital.

Shirley said research has shown that art in hospitals helps to create a positive healing environment, which can speed recovery as well as help to retain the tranquility of staff.

"Not only has this excellent piece of art enhanced the aesthetics of this hospital but it will brighten the spirits of all who wait to be treated and cared for at this institution," Shirley said.

It is expected that the mural will ease some of the stress and apprehension that both the parents and children have to endure.

Shirley said the hospital would preserve and protect the mural at all cost, as it is a historical piece that should be cherished.

- Philando Neil