Children’s artwork is a stellar addition to COVID ward

A selection of the artwork by children from Norden Community Primary School

Youngsters from Norden Community Primary School have brought some ‘galactic’ cheer to Fairfield General’s ward 11, newly named Apollo 11.

Pupils have sent in images of rockets and space to brighten up the walls of the unit, responsible for treating patients suffering from Covid-19.

The ITU ward at Fairfield, formerly known as Ward 11, has been renamed Apollo 11. Medicine and healing are both associated with the famous Greek god, and were thought to sometimes be mediated through his son, Asclepius.

Donna McLaughlin, Site Director for Fairfield General Hospital said: “Apollo taught us the art of medicine, so he is often referred to as “The Healer”. We felt that this name was very apt, as our staff are clearly focused on healing our patients, caring for them to the moon and back. We are so appreciative of this artwork, it really brightens the space and we hope it inspires our patients on their road to recovery and supports our staff to continue their amazing work.” 

Rachael Bentham, Headteacher of Norden Community Primary said: “One of our parent governors, who works at Fairfield Hospital, approached me and asked if we would like to provide some art work for the new Apollo 11 ward. I immediately agreed as I felt this was something the children who are in school would enjoy doing and it was for a fantastic cause. In school and via online learning, we have been recognising the fantastic work the NHS and other key workers have been doing.

“The children have made rainbows from balloons and hand prints to display around the school grounds as well as making posters and writing poems to thank the NHS workers. We all hope that anyone who finds themselves in the unfortunate position of being in the Apollo 11 ward will find comfort in our art work and know that people care and wish them a speedy recovery.”

The Apollo 11 unit is a critical care ward opened to support the sickest COVID 19 patients from Bury and Rochdale. The ward provides enhanced oxygen and ventilation for those patients who require respiratory support to stabilise them. The unit is currently open to 16 critical beds with capacity to expand to 32 beds if needed.

The team encompasses nursing staff drawn from across the hospital, ICU and theatres together with a physio team who help keep patients mobile and a team of medical consultants and anaesthetists.