Patients at Ipswich Hospital are now able to relax to soothing lighting, music and projected images during their radiotherapy planning scan thanks to the generosity of local people.
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) has installed the new ambient lighting system in a specially-designed CT scanning room after receiving a £40,000 donation from Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.
It allows patients to choose from a range of different coloured lighting and projected images, such as woodlands, dolphins and mountains, which cascade down the room’s curved walls. The intensity of the colours automatically changes as music is played, which also helps to mask the sound of the CT scanner.
The equipment has been installed as part of an ongoing programme designed to make the radiotherapy department as homely and relaxing as possible. It comes after sky windows were installed in the waiting rooms and artwork added to the corridors leading to the treatment rooms.
Suzanne Isherwood, Radiotherapy Service Manager at Ipswich, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new ambient lighting and would like to thank everyone who donated so generously. It really will make a huge difference to our patients.
“Coming to have your radiotherapy planned can be daunting as the equipment is so big, and patients can be anxious as it’s the first part of the pathway. Having soothing music and relaxing lighting is really helpful as it softens the whole experience and makes the treatment much easier.
“The feedback we have had so far has been excellent. The first patient to experience the lighting said they didn’t even notice the scanner because they were so mesmerised by the ambience which we had created, which is exactly the impact we were hoping for.”
Mandy Jordan, Associate Director of Charity and Voluntary Services with Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to fund this fantastic lighting system, which is already making a big difference to patients at what can be a difficult time.”
For more information about the charity or to find out how to donate, visit https://colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/
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