Community
20 April, 2025
Reef mural soothing anxious kiddies in ED
NEW artwork at Cairns Hospital’s emergency department (ED) has lit up the waiting room for younger patients, creating a vibrant distraction while waiting to be seen.
Produced by local artist Melanie Hava, alongside the department’s cultural safety reference group, the artwork features elements from the iconic Great Barrier Reef, showcasing marine life such as fish, turtles and coral.
ED clinical nurse consultant and ED paediatric working group co-chairwoman Emma Warburton said many had commented that the fish were very calming and the artwork took their minds off the reason for their hospital visit.
“We’ve had some great feedback from children and their families,” she said.
“It really helps take their mind off whatever might be happening with their health at that time.
“There’s lots to look at and we believe it helps calm the patient for when the clinician sees them.”
Ms Warburton said the artwork was a great example of collaboration between ED and the reference group.
“Since its inception, a key focus of their efforts has been incorporating Indigenous artwork into the ED to create a sense of welcome and belonging,” she said.
“Literature highlights the importance of cultural reflection in health spaces.
“As recognised in the collective document, seeing one’s culture represented fosters a deeper connection to the health service.
“By prioritising local artwork, we are furthering our commitment to community identity and inclusivity within the ED.”
Ms Hava said her inspiration came from the Great Barrier Reef itself.
“I wanted the room to feel like an aquarium of our beautiful reefs,” she said.
“It is very relaxing watching fishes swim in an aquarium. I wanted the room to feel relaxing for the kids that use it and the bright colours to help cheer them up.”
“I was invited to be a part of this project and said yes because I had children, one with special needs, and another who had frequent childhood asthma attacks, so we were at the emergency room more times than I like to remember.
“In a way, this is like giving back to the department that helped us out so many times.”
