The newly transformed Outpatients A department at Darlington Memorial Hospital is offering patients and visitors not just excellent care, but a bright and welcoming environment – thanks in part to the generosity of a former consultant and the support of the CDDFT Charity.
As part of a £1.2 million investment by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, the department now features ten framed photographs donated by former respiratory consultant, Dr Alwyn Foden.
The images, displayed along the main corridor, showcase iconic landmarks from across Darlington and the surrounding area – including Raby Castle, High Force and the Skerne Railway Bridge.
Dr Foden, now a member of the Northern Echo Camera Club, worked closely with the outpatient team to identify and photograph locations that would bring colour, familiarity and comfort to the space.
"I was delighted to offer my assistance and donation of these photographs," said Dr Foden. "I worked collaboratively with members of the team here at Outpatients A to capture these photos. Photography has become a real passion for me over the last eight years, and I’ve now started work on my next project capturing landmarks around Bishop Auckland for a future donation to Bishop Auckland Hospital."
The CDDFT Charity generously funded a mural donated by MT Print and frames for the new photographs to be displayed.
Dementia specialist nurse Janet Mortimer also played a key role in the department’s redesign, advising on elements such as colour contrast and accessibility to enhance the environment for people with dementia.
Janet said: "I’m thrilled to see the completion of Outpatients A with all these touches to enhance the experience of cognitively impaired patients, particularly those with dementia. When enhancements are made to support these patients, everybody benefits."
Sister Haley Johnson expressed her appreciation for the collaborative effort: "We’re hugely grateful for Dr Foden’s generosity of his time and expertise. We are over the moon with the framed photographs, which make a huge difference in the experience for our patients and visitors, and certainly add charm and a talking point to what could have been a plain corridor."
Matron Jackie Stoves added: "We are absolutely delighted with how the space has come together. This has been a fantastic example of co-production, with thoughtful design and beautiful artwork helping to brighten the area and create a more welcoming experience. A huge thanks to Dr Foden and the CDDFT Charity for their generosity and support."
Outpatients A now houses several clinics formerly based on C Floor and is accessible via Entrance C, next to the Emergency Department.
The newly transformed Outpatients A department at Darlington Memorial Hospital is offering patients and visitors not just excellent care, but a bright and welcoming environment – thanks in part to the generosity of a former consultant and the support of the CDDFT Charity.
As part of a £1.2 million investment by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, the department now features ten framed photographs donated by former respiratory consultant, Dr Alwyn Foden.
The images, displayed along the main corridor, showcase iconic landmarks from across Darlington and the surrounding area – including Raby Castle, High Force and the Skerne Railway Bridge.
Dr Foden, now a member of the Northern Echo Camera Club, worked closely with the outpatient team to identify and photograph locations that would bring colour, familiarity and comfort to the space.
"I was delighted to offer my assistance and donation of these photographs," said Dr Foden. "I worked collaboratively with members of the team here at Outpatients A to capture these photos. Photography has become a real passion for me over the last eight years, and I’ve now started work on my next project capturing landmarks around Bishop Auckland for a future donation to Bishop Auckland Hospital."
The CDDFT Charity generously funded a mural donated by MT Print and frames for the new photographs to be displayed.
Dementia specialist nurse Janet Mortimer also played a key role in the department’s redesign, advising on elements such as colour contrast and accessibility to enhance the environment for people with dementia.
Janet said: "I’m thrilled to see the completion of Outpatients A with all these touches to enhance the experience of cognitively impaired patients, particularly those with dementia. When enhancements are made to support these patients, everybody benefits."
Sister Haley Johnson expressed her appreciation for the collaborative effort: "We’re hugely grateful for Dr Foden’s generosity of his time and expertise. We are over the moon with the framed photographs, which make a huge difference in the experience for our patients and visitors, and certainly add charm and a talking point to what could have been a plain corridor."
Matron Jackie Stoves added: "We are absolutely delighted with how the space has come together. This has been a fantastic example of co-production, with thoughtful design and beautiful artwork helping to brighten the area and create a more welcoming experience. A huge thanks to Dr Foden and the CDDFT Charity for their generosity and support."
Outpatients A now houses several clinics formerly based on C Floor and is accessible via Entrance C, next to the Emergency Department.
