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10k Steps Challenge

By Challenges

10k Steps Challenge

Challenge yourself to take 10,000 steps every day for one month. Every step and penny will go towards additional items to enhance the care in the BEACH Building at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Together we can transform care for Dorset.

These items include items like an additional CT scanner to help scan an extra 15,000 patients a year, indoor and outdoor play areas, a classroom for children and a wellbeing garden to bring fresh air to people in critical care. Ultimately, we can further enhance the hospital experience for patients, our NHS staff and every visitor that comes through our doors.

As part of The BEACH Appeal, we are calling everybody across Dorset to get involved in raising £1.5 million for future facilities in the new departments for Births, Emergency, Critical Care and Children’s Health. We cannot do this alone.

10k steps web images

Our NHS colleagues, from our dedicated porters to our phenomenal nurses—walk an average of 10,000 steps each shift to care for their patients. Sign up now to challenge yourself to match their average daily steps for one month!

It's your choice

  • Choose which month of the year you do it – as long as you walk 10,000 steps every day.
  • Choose to walk indoors or outdoors at any time of day, at your own pace.
  • Choose to do it as your own personal challenge or together with friends.

All we ask is you try to get as much sponsorship from your friends and family who are behind your challenge for The BEACH Appeal. If you raise £100, you’ll earn a well-deserved medal.

When you sign up, you will get a welcome letter, step tracker, sponsorship form, and pin badge.

artist

Artist to enhance University Hospitals Dorset’s new BEACH Building

By Latest News
artist

Jac Seifert. CREDIT: Orakel Workshop

University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) and the hospitals’ Charity are thrilled to announce the south coast studio, Orakel Workshop, has been chosen to create an art display on the exterior of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s new BEACH Building.

Orakel Workshop was selected following a public vote and detailed selection process by the local community and NHS staff. The studio is led by graphic artist and designer Jac Seifert, who is now tasked with bringing her vision to life outside the BEACH, a new six- storey building housing emergency services, critical care, maternity and children’s units.

Jac is known for creating vibrant digital designs inspired by people and places that can be produced in any material.

She said: “I’m thrilled to have been selected to work on this project at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and am very excited to collaborate with staff and the local community to create a piece of artwork for the BEACH Building. I look forward to exploring Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and the surrounding area as inspiration for a design that will celebrate the local natural landscape, from the coastline to the forest.”

nurses scaled

Jac Seifert previously worked with NHS staff at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals. CREDIT: Orakel Workshop

UHD’s Arts Manager, Laura Joy, added: “Appointing Jac has been a labour of love involving our NHS staff, local cultural and heritage professionals, and wider community members. Art has the power to transform spaces and lift spirits, which is precisely what we aim to achieve with this commission. I’m excited to have Jac bring a burst of colour and creativity to the BEACH Building. It’s the perfect way to paint a picture of hope with our community for the future of our hospitals.”

The Trust is investing £500m in our health services to enhance care and accessibility for our community. This includes state-of-the-art patient facilities, establishing Royal Bournemouth Hospital as a major emergency centre for faster, more effective specialist care, and developing Poole Hospital into the UK’s largest planned care centre to reduce waiting times.

Additionally, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is fundraising £1.5m to enhance the BEACH Building with various additional items – above and beyond NHS funding – that will ensure the facility has everything it needs to take our healthcare into the future.

building

Due to be installed in Spring 2025, the BEACH Building artwork is a planning requirement of the new building and has been made possible by funding from both the Charity and Trust capital costs, ensuring that no money is taken away from frontline care.

This exciting project is part of a broader arts strategy across the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals. This will include initiatives with regional artists, schools, colleges and universities and more opportunities for patients and staff to participate in visual art, music and dance activities, which have been proven to support wellbeing and reduce recovery time.

If you’d like to be part of this beautiful creative partnership or get involved in future art projects, please get in touch with Laura Joy at laura.joy@uhd.nhs.uk.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity celebrates loved ones lives with candlelight service Credit Ann Aveyard

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity celebrates loved ones’ lives with candlelight service

By Latest News
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity celebrates loved ones lives with candlelight service Credit Ann Aveyard

Photo credit: Ann Aveyard

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is inviting people across Dorset to come together to Light Up the Prom on Friday 8 November, to honour and celebrate the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us.

Light Up the Prom will bring our community together for a touching candlelight service with beautiful music performed by a local choir and a breathtaking fireworks display that will illuminate the night sky over Bournemouth Pier Approach and the bay with our collective love and cherished memories.

By donating to University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity in honour of their loved one, everybody who signs up to attend the event, will receive a complimentary LED candle to light at the beautiful ceremony. Candles will be handed out upon arrival to Light Up the Prom at the Bournemouth Pier Approach, symbolising the warmth and brightness that our loved ones brought into our lives.

University Hospitals Dorset’s Lead Chaplain, Reverend James Taylor said: “Light up the Prom is a wonderful opportunity to gather with others and bring to life our memories of our dear ones who we love and miss, whether they died recently or long ago. Supporting the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity helps patients and their families make the most of every precious moment with their loved ones. I look forward to being with you on the evening.”

This community-focused event is proudly sponsored by local solicitors, Coles Miller, who will attend to show their support for the people they work with across Dorset.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity celebrates loved ones lives with candlelight service

Coles Miller managing partner, Adrian Cormack said: “As solicitors and longstanding members of the community, we regularly help clients who’ve recently lost loved ones.

“We know how important Light Up the Prom is, how much comfort it brings to all those who take part and how it inspires those who are unable to attend to contribute to a cause that helps so many.

“We’re very proud to sponsor Light Up the Prom and highlight the excellent work done by the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity.”

Whether you light a candle for a loved one or stand in solidarity with your community members, Light Up the Prom is an opportunity to reflect, connect and honour the remarkable legacies of those who are no longer with us.

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with love, memories and community by today at uhdcharity.org/lightuptheprom

Invaluable equipment available to help patients with early rehabilitation October

Invaluable equipment available to help patients with early rehabilitation

By Latest News
Invaluable equipment available to help patients with early rehabilitation October

Louise Johnson, Trainee Consultant Practitioner, Stroke

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is delighted to have funded two new pieces of innovative equipment at Royal Bournemouth Hospital to enhance the early rehabilitation for patients that are critically unwell.

At the start of the year, the Stroke team received their new robotic tilt table costing £80,500 that was funded with the help of generous supporters across Dorset. NHS therapy teams were trained on how to use this new piece of innovative equipment that they identified as instrumental in enhancing the options for early rehabilitation in patients in their care.

The robotic tilt table helps patients that are bed-bound and very weak that may have suffered severe neurological damage from a stroke, a spinal injury from road traffic accidents for example.

By enabling robotic leg movements for patients who do not have the ability to move them, patients can start to re-learn to use their own limb movements to try to walk again. A previous tilt table was used to help patients, but the robotic version is now giving that extra helping hand for those that are particularly unwell.

Patients who are bed-bound are safely strapped into the device and robotic leg movements begin whilst the table is slowly raised to a vertical position. The robotic tilt table allows safe physical therapy in a very early stage of rehabilitation, reducing the amount of time patients will need to spend in hospital.

Funding for this fantastic piece of equipment came from the kind donations of people who have seen first-hand the support needed by the therapy teams for their loved ones and Talbot Village Trust who generously provided a grant of £15,000 last year.

Senior Charity Manager, Karen Smith said: “We’re thrilled to see this equipment already helping so many patients. It is being used on a number of wards as our stroke services from Poole Hospital have moved over to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. It’s slim and movable design enables staff to take this equipment anywhere.”

Not stopping there, Talbot Village Trust also generously donated £11,501 towards a BEMO 636 Theratrainer. This is an over-bed or bedside bike to provide physiotherapists with a safe solution for early rehabilitation from a patient’s bedside while they are in critical care.

Our physiotherapy teams will be able to assist a range of patients who are acutely unwell in critical care with early mobilisation with this bed bicycle to support ongoing rehabilitation.

The BEMO Theratrainer will help to reduce the risks associated with the range of movement for joints (stiffness, contracture) and with some patients seeing improvements in their psychological experience within the Intensive Care Unit or Critical Care Unit.

Physiotherapist, Luke Pickard said: “Implementing the BEMO as part of our regular treatments would assist earlier discharge from ICU and subsequently hospital settings. Regular movement and steps towards progress supports people to cope a little more positively as they set their therapy related goals.”

Patients can use this to improve strength in their arms, legs and improve their cardiovascular performance. For a range of patients who are unable to actively participate this piece of equipment will be able to passively exercise their joints, muscles and other tissues.

Early mobilisation for patients in acute wards is especially important to try to avoid general weakness and deconditioning, rapid fatigue, and soft-tissue damage from being in bed for sustained periods of time.

For some patients, this bike also means they can do a little bit of exercise without the need for a slot with the therapy team as the overbed bike can be used by the patient alone as it causes minimal physical strain. This is particularly helpful for patients that can’t be without supervised care and in times of short staffing as it provides some patients with a progressive activity to do.

Nick Ashley-Cooper, Chairman at Talbot Village Trust said; “We are glad to assist University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity in securing this equipment to support early rehabilitation. Both pieces of equipment will make a difference in patients’ recovery and contribute to their wellbeing.”

Senior Charity Manager, Karen Smith added: “We are extremely grateful to Talbot Village Trust for generously funding this second fantastic piece of equipment to help kick start people’s progress to greater mobilisation and subsequent steps to recovery. Additional items like this are beyond NHS funds but we know can make life-changing differences to people’s recovery. This equipment can have such a positive impact on a patient’s emotional wellbeing during the times they are most unwell. Raising funds to provide the added extras like this is what our charity is here for, and we continue to raise funds to support our hospitals and thousands of patients each year.”

“The BEMO Theratrainer is on order and we’re looking forward to its arrival in the coming months for our patients.”

ACTS team

Step towards a stronger future for University Hospitals Dorset at Walk for Wards

By Latest News
ACTS team

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity flagship event, Walk for Wards kicks off in just a few weeks on Saturday 28 September, and it’s time to stride with pride to further enhance our local hospitals.

Dedicated NHS colleagues, patients, families, community groups and more are gearing up to walk 3km, 5km or 10km through Upton Country Park in Poole to fundraise for the amazing services across University Hospitals Dorset.

Walk for Wards participants can raise funds for any ward, department or service that has touched their life. Every step taken and pound raised paves the way for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity to further enhance the care for patients and the wellbeing of all NHS staff.

Dedicated NHS colleagues, patients, families, community groups and more are gearing up to walk 3km, 5km or 10km through Upton Country Park in Poole to fundraise for the amazing services across University Hospitals Dorset.

One team keen to lace up their walking boots are University Hospitals Dorset’s Addiction Care and Treatment Services (ACTS) covering both Royal Bournemouth and Poole Hospital sites – who are joining the movement to provide even better care for our community.

University Hospitals Dorset ACTS administrator, Lenka Pepuchova, said: “I’m thrilled that the ACTS team are taking part.

“We are raising awareness of the impact of alcohol and addiction on peoples’ lives and raising funds for the services we provide to the community every day. Together, we can truly make a difference!

“There are many fantastic ways to show your support and help our team! You can donate directly to the ACTS fundraiser or sign up for Walk for Wards 2024 and walk alongside us on the big day! Every step and penny make a difference.”

Striding alongside the ACTS team will be members of the hospitals’ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Radiology Department and other services making a difference in the lives of patients and their families across Dorset.

University Hospitals Dorset NICU practice education lead, Marianne Spicer, will be joining Walk for Wards with her sister and a friend – and she hopes to see others go the extra mile at the event too.

Marianne said: “I have worked on NICU for 31 years, and I trained with the trust – so I’ve been a part of the Trust for 34 years now. I’m participating in Walk for Wards for several reasons.

crowd

“As I have long COVID and used to run 5km regularly, I am determined to challenge myself to be able to walk it as this will be hard for me. Moreover, I want to fundraise for the NICU to ensure parents receiving support from our team have the extra items they need when they’re going through an incredibly stressful time.”

Participants can also take part in Walk for Wards for The BEACH Appeal to help University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity fund additional teams for the new Birth, Emergency, Critical Care and Children’s Health departments coming to the BEACH Building from Spring 2025 at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Ready, set, go sign up for Walk for Wards today to make a life-changing difference for University Hospitals Dorset: UHDcharity.org/walk-for-wards/

Young boy raises 3000 for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity to weave hope for epilepsy care family

Young boy raises £3,000 for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity to weave hope for epilepsy care

By Latest News
Young boy raises 3000 for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity to weave hope for epilepsy care family

A young boy from Poole, who learned to knit as a way of unravelling the challenges of living with epilepsy, has stitched together an incredible £3,000 to support the University Hospitals Dorset NHS team that helped him manage his condition.

In August 2023, Joshie Cadbury and his family were crossing the ferry from Calais to Switzerland when Joshie suddenly became unwell. After a few nights in Calais Hospital, the family continued their holiday, and it was later confirmed that Joshie had epilepsy upon their return to the UK.

During this time on holiday, Joshie – then 11 years old – began knitting to aid his recovery as he was told to take it easy and limit screentime.

What started as a therapeutic hobby quickly became a passion, and Joshie decided to cast on a fundraising effort to support University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s epilepsy fund.

Joshie’s hand-crafted items didn’t just raise funds for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, he knit the community together to support a great cause.

Joshie said: “I have loved getting into knitting more since being diagnosed with epilepsy, and it has helped me so much. It has turned a tough situation into a more positive one. It’s been so great to raise money for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity and help others with epilepsy. I couldn’t have done it without the help from my family and friends and am so grateful for everyone’s support.”

Young boy raises 3000 for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity to weave hope for epilepsy care

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity public fundraising officer, Amy Beauchamp, said: “We’re absolutely delighted by Joshie’s incredible donation and generosity. His £3,000 donation will help us enhance the care provided by the epilepsy team at University Hospitals Dorset and weave hope into the lives of people living with epilepsy. He’s truly crafted a more positive future for so many.”

The £3,000 raised by Joshie for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity will go directly towards transforming care and resources for people living with epilepsy receiving treatment at our local hospitals. From purchasing new state-of-the-art equipment to enhancing facilities, this seamless act of kindness will have a lasting impact on University Hospitals Dorset.

If Joshie’s story inspires you, you don’t have to sit on pins and needles – get involved today! Whether donating, fundraising or simply spreading the word, you can help University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity create a stronger future for those facing epilepsy and your local hospitals.

For more information and ways to get involved, visit University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s website: www.UHDcharity.org.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity raised 20700 by lighting up the prom for breast cancer care

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity raised £20,700 by lighting up the prom for breast cancer care

By Latest News
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity raised 20700 by lighting up the prom for breast cancer care

In May, hundreds of people across Dorset came together to shine bright for the annual Twilight Walk to support those affected by breast cancer. We are thrilled to share that, thanks to the dazzling generosity of our participants, we raised £20,734.94 for University Hospitals Dorset’s Breast Unit.

We are incredibly grateful to all the families, friends, NHS staff members and people across Wessex who lit up the Bournemouth Pier Approach with enthusiasm and support at the Twilight Walk 2024. Their shining presence made a meaningful impact on the services University Hospitals Dorset provides to our community.

This year, every penny raised will go towards the purchase of a specialised device that goes above and beyond NHS service provision to help diagnose and treat breast cancer patients.

Consultant Breast and Soft Tissue Surgeon, Mr Mark Tatterton, ambassador for this year’s Twighlight Walk said: “I am truly amazed and thankful by the amount raised and the volume of support from all the participants who have been touched by breast cancer in some way. Not only do I personally thank every participant, but I would also like to thank colleagues and patients who were pivotal in arranging such a special event. The acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment is an important investment for the future to ensure we can provide the highest levels of breast cancer care across Dorset in our hospitals. I also believe the event helped achieve our second aim of continuing to raise the awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection and treatment”.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity public fundraising officer Amy Beauchamp said: “It was amazing to see everyone who shone bright and sparkled as they got involved in the Twilight Walk this year. Your generous donations and dedication to assisting those in our community affected by breast cancer makes our community so special.

“Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be extremely challenging, and the road ahead may seem daunting. The breast cancer care team provides invaluable support to those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families from the moment they step onto the ward. I am immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to the Twilight Walk, helping us raise £20,734.94 further to aid the University Hospital’s Dorset Breast Unit in their vital work.”

The Twilight Walk 2024’s success was truly a collective effort. We are proud and grateful for the ongoing support from everyone across Dorset for helping to create a brighter future for patients with breast cancer by funding the purchase of a specialised portable X-ray device. Such a device will help streamline both the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

This kindness has allowed us to make significant strides in enhancing the resources available across the Royal Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Hospitals in recent years.

In March, we successfully raised an incredible £11,290 at March for Men to provide three ureteroscopes to the Urology team. The equipment will greatly improve the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer, kidney cancer and kidney stones.

We are excited to see everyone at next year’s Twilight Walk and continue building on this amazing success, as it demonstrates the impact of the community coming together to look after our NHS services.

philip trimp contractors donation 1

Local farmer sows seeds of kindness with £7,500 donation in honour of late wife

By Latest News
philip trimp contractors donation 1

In July, local farmer and businessman, Philip Trim generously donated £7,500 to University Hospitals Dorset’s Radiotherapy Department in memory of his late wife, Jane.

Philip, a well-known figure in the community and owner of Philip Trim Contractor, made this heartfelt donation in recognition of the exceptional care Jane received after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Philip raised £7,500 in August 2023 from Throop Hollow Farm, which he opened as a pop-up campsite during the summer.

Philip offers a tractor and trailer ride around the grounds for campers, giving them a glimpse at the animals and life on the farm. Visitors can then donate to University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity as a thanks for the informative trip.

In recent years, Philip has raised over £70,000 for University Hospitals Dorset’s various cancer-related departments and teams.

This most recent donation will be directed towards enhancing University Hospitals Dorset’s radiotherapy services, ensuring that future patients have access to enhanced facilities, state-of-the-art equipment and compassionate care just as Jane did.

Philip said: “We experienced the services, treatments and care by the Dorset Cancer Centre when my wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Jane’s wish was to use our vintage tractor to fundraise and give something back to the system that had taken care of her and gave us as a family the support we needed during that time.

“In the last five years we have raised over £70,000 which has been donated to The Sandbanks Ward, The Lung Club and the Surface Guided Radiotherapy Equipment fund.

“This money was raised by running two events called The Purbeck Coast Tractor Run; and over the last four years, we have opened our farm during August for camping.

“On the campsite, we offer tractor and trailer rides around our farm for small donations, and we also have a great relationship with a local metal detecting club, who use our farmland and local farms around us, also fundraise and generously donate to the charity pot.

“Our son Ben and I are delighted to have raised so much money for local cancer services and fulfil Janes wish. We are continuing our fundraising efforts for cancer services at Poole Hospital with our vintage tractor this summer at Throop Hollow Farm.”

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity corporate fundraiser, Hayley Harris, said: “We are incredibly moved and thankful for Philip’s generosity. His fundraising is a beautiful tribute to Jane’s memory and the compassionate care she received at Poole Hospital. His amazing contribution will make a real difference in enhancing the patient experience for those undergoing cancer treatment and their loved ones across our community. We honestly can’t thank Philip and Philip Trim Contractors enough for their outstanding support over the years.”

Thank you so much, Philip, for your ongoing support for University Hospitals Dorset and our NHS teams in the past. This generosity highlights the profound impact that individual support can have on the lives of others receiving care during their cancer journey.

Whether through fundraising, volunteering or direction donations, involvement from individuals and businesses coming together in helping University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, together everybody can to continue to provide the special extras that help enhance our local hospitals. Find out how you can get involved on the charity website: UHDcharity.org/get-involved/.

Hot Radio's hot walkers - group photo

Hot Radio’s Hot Walkers are on fire as they get closer towards their £10,000 fundraising target for Walk for Wards

By Latest News
Hot Radio's hot walkers - group photo

With Walk for Wards for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity just a few weeks away, Hot Radio’s dedicated team of walkers are rocketing towards their £10,000 goal for the BEACH Appeal.

The Hot Walkers – a group of Hot Radio crew, supporters and listeners from all walks of life – will join crowds across our community at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s flagship event, Walk for Wards, on Saturday 28 2024 at Upton Country Park.

Together, the team is walking 10km to raise £10,000 for The BEACH Appeal, helping to enhance the new BEACH (Birth, Emergency, Critical Care and Children’s Health Department) Building at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Hot Radio, who is also the key sponsor for Walk for Wards, has rocketed over 30% of their goal in just a short time thanks to amazing support across Dorset. This includes a fantastic £600 donation from United Taxis and generous contributions from other local businesses.

Every penny raised by the Hot Walkers’ will contribute to a range of additional items for The BEACH Appeal. Launched in April, this appeal includes additional items for the new maternity and neonatal unit, children’s health unit, an enhanced emergency department and a larger critical care facility within the six-storey BEACH Building.

Alan Smith, commercial director for Hot Radio, said: “We are now in full swing and excited about the number of listeners, colleagues and volunteers that have signed up to the Hot Walker family.

“Being the live and local radio station in the area, it’s a natural fit to sponsor and attend this amazing event. The hard work starts now as we need to push to reach our target of £10,000.

“Several local companies have already started to help us get to it, and we have already started at an amazing 30% done. Our top supporter so far is United Taxis, with an amazing donation of £600.

“For us at the station, whilst a lot of work and organisation, we love being part of this amazing day, and why wouldn’t we support such a great local cause.”

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity community fundraiser, Hayley Harris, said: “We are so thankful to our good friends at Hot Radio for their incredible progress towards reaching their target; the dedication and support from the local community and many local businesses are outstanding. Having Hot radio with us at Walk for Wards will be a joy again, and we know that every penny raised will revolutionise care for Dorset as it will provide additional resources for the new BEACH Building. These extra items will ensure the BEACH Building has everything it needs to further support our NHS teams in delivering the best possible care to people across Dorset for generations to come.”

The BEACH Appeal’s £1.5 million fundraising goal will pay for additional items, including an additional CT scanner to scan an estimated 15,000 more patients every year in the new Emergency Department.

Alongside the CT scanner, donations to the appeal would provide mood lighting and bubble lamps for post-natal rooms to create a calm environment and enhanced sensory experiences for new parents getting ready to have a baby.

Together, we can transform care for Dorset. Join University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity and Hot Radio at Walk for Wards and help us fund all the additional items needed to enhance the BEACH Building that will provide essential care to countless people across the region.

Every step taken and every pound raised will help University Hospitals Dorset staff be there more than ever for patients, loved ones and community members. Sign up for Walk for Wards today and back our BEACH: UHDcharity.org/walk-for-wards/.

You can support Hot Radio’s Walk for Wards fundraising efforts at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/Hotwalkers2024.

women holding posters for UHD Charity

Children’s Development Centre play area receives oceanic makeover thanks to local artist

By Latest News
women holding posters for UHD Charity

University Hospitals Dorset’s Children’s Development Centre (CDC) outdoor play area at Poole Hospital received an oceanic makeover thanks to a local artist’s epic underwater installation.

The old murals had seen better days, but thanks to the initiative of Trainee Play Specialist, Allysha Pell, and the support of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, the outdoor play space has been revitalised to create a vibrant and engaging environment for our young visitors and their families.

Trainee Play Specialist, Allysha Pell, contacted University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity to see if new art could be arranged to brighten up the outdoor play space for some of the hospital’s youngest visitors and their families.

With the collaboration of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity community fundraiser, Hayley Harris, and arts manager Laura Joy, local artist Sebastian Avoray created the new ‘Looking for Octo’ mural series now adorns the space.

The installation follows a lively red octopus’s journey from Poole Beach across the world’s oceans, encountering various sea creatures along the way.

But that’s not all— Sebastian, who has created beloved art for Poole Hospital in the past, also designed an accompanying ‘Looking for Octo’ book to educate and entertain the children as they await treatment. This book provides a fun and educational distraction during their time at the hospital.

The children can take the books home to continue learning about the ocean’s wonders.

The impact of this project has been immense, uplifting the environment for the young visitors and their families. It also brought joy to the CDC team, who work tirelessly to support the dozens of children and young people with various medical needs who visit the Poole site daily.

Allysha said: “Often, the children arrive here distressed or disengaged – to be able to follow the travels of ‘Octo’ will help us start conversations with them as we ‘look for Octo’ together!”

“It will be so good for the children, as it will get them up and moving, too. Having artwork to enjoy makes the children feel seen and understood when they come here.”

Creating the murals was a labour of love for Sebastian, who had many happy memories of crafting each image and depicting the world’s different oceans.

He said: “Making art calms me, so I hope it helps calm the children who come to the hospital, too.”

Laura said: “We have been so delighted to work with Sebastian to bring such colourful and uplifting characters to the the Children’s Development Centre!

“There are plans in the pipeline to bring art to many more areas across the Hospital – either as arts installations like this one, or arts activities on the wards. If you would like to hear more, or get involved in this aim, please contact me on laura.joy@uhd.nhs.uk.”

This transformation would not have been possible without the generous support of community members and local artists like Sebastian, whose contributions make a real difference to every patient, visitor and NHS staff member at University Hospitals Dorset.

Local artist oceanic makeover for UHD Charity Oceanic makeover children's development centre children's development centre play area childrens development centre play area