Valley Presbyterian Hospital in California, is hosting a new concept in
playrooms, designed to expose children of patients to a virtual experience that
will make them feel comfortable in a sometimes frightening hospital
environment. The area will be known as the Bluebell Railway Playroom and
was recently opened by actor Goran Visnjic, renowned for his role as Dr. Luca
Kovak in the hit series, ER.
Photographic images taken by British photographer, Derek Hayward, of the
Bluebell Railway, in Sussex, were enhanced in England by Anna-Marie Buss
of Bussroot Limited, graphic designers based in Paddock Wood and then sent
to Los Angeles to be blown up to life size to create a space very separate
from the rest of the hospital.
Critters and animals hidden in the foliage of the woods on the walls
surrounding an area decorated like a railway and a station can make time
pass speedily as children search for them. Brightly coloured bean bags in the
middle of a "plank wood" carpet are perfect launching pads for day dreams or
naps, or they can cuddle in the waiting room on highly polished wood benches
which look out at a tunnel where a train might be coming or perhaps where
creatures hang out!
"The room's initial purpose," says Judie Stein, the Director of the Stein Family
Foundation that funded the project, "is to give attention to children while their
adults' attention is elsewhere. We've given them a sanctuary of sorts to
prepare for whatever is happening at Valley Presbyterian - whether it be a
loved one's illness or a new baby in their home."
Both Bussroot and Derek Hayward have given their time and resources free
for the benefit of the children and it is hoped that the innovative project may
be a model for other facilities elsewhere.
Photos available. (High resolution copies of the pictures available on request)
YouTube video available.
Links:
www.bluebell-railway.co.uk
train.fotopic.net
www.bussroot.com