Children receiving treatment at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex will now do so in an upgraded environment following the completion of a rehabilitation project at the hospital’s Paediatrics Ward.
The project, funded by Bank of Saint Lucia and carried out under a memorandum of understanding with Millennium Heights Medical Centre, culminated in the unveiling of a mural stretching the length of the ward and included a series of infrastructural and functional improvements.
Among the upgrades are child-friendly floor and ceiling tiles, an educational playroom, an improved reception area, mould remediation works, air-conditioning and the addition of medical equipment.
The mural, created by Saint Lucian artist Arthur Williams and his team, serves as the centrepiece of the transformation. Featuring bright colours and playful illustrations, the artwork was inspired by the experiences of children receiving care at the facility and includes depictions of healthcare workers who support patients during their recovery.
Staff members and patients were also invited to contribute to the mural, leaving their own marks on the artwork and helping create what organisers described as a reflection of the many lives touched by the ward.
The refurbished facility was unveiled last week during a ceremony attended by representatives of Millennium Heights Medical Centre, Bank of Saint Lucia, healthcare workers and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the unveiling, Bank of Saint Lucia Senior Manager for Marketing and Corporate Communications Genevieve Downes said the project recognised the role a patient’s surroundings can play during treatment.
“This project demonstrates that healing extends beyond medical treatment,” Downes said. “A welcoming environment can have a profound impact on a child’s wellbeing.”
The completion of the project marks the end of a multi-phase effort that not only introduced the mural but also delivered a range of upgrades to the ward’s facilities and equipment.
