Visitors to the ENT Outpatients Department at the Royal Preston Hospital are being cheered up by a blooming marvelous transformation of its waiting area!
Once plain, drab walls are now popping with bright colours from giant flowers and leafy green plants that have beautiful butterflies, shiny red ladybirds and buzzing bees hovering among them.
The hand-painted murals are the work of Jen Quinn, of Jennifer Quinn Interiors, a Bamber Bridge-based interior design studio specialising in colourful, feel good spaces. The murals took Jen about six full working days to complete as a labour of love as Jen gifted her time, talent and all materials to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity (LTHC) to enable the revamp.
Jen explained: “My husband Paul goes for regular ENT check-ups. Back in 2021, he developed a salivary gland lump. Initially, it was thought to be benign but then turned out to be cancerous and following surgery, he had to undergo radiotherapy at Rosemere Cancer Centre.
“I know some patients sat in ENT waiting for their appointment will be feeling overwhelmed and anxious. The murals can’t make them better but hopefully, they can bring them some momentary joy and lightness.”
Dan Hill, head of charities for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our thanks to Jen for her wonderful work in ENT Outpatients. The feedback already received from both staff and patients has been fantastically positive. People of all ages love the murals and unit manager Sam Crossley is already working to create children’s activity sheets linked to the artwork, which will have them spotting the number of different insects they can find among the flowers.”
Jen, who launched her interior design business in November 2024 after a 15-year career as a forensic scientist, isn’t finished yet! Jen is currently in discussions with local GP surgeries and dental practices as well as other Royal Preston Hospital departments and Rosemere Cancer Centre to discuss further mural designs.
Jen said: “My approach to interior design is rooted in science, colour theory and quality, which from an environmental perspective can influence mood, behaviour and how we live and feel each day. This is why it’s my mission to enhance wellbeing focused and clinical spaces.”
Jen, who is mum to her and Paul’s nine-year-old daughter Violet, added: “I believe good design has the power to change lives. Having spent much of my working life in clinical laboratories, I started my own business to make a difference and create colourful, feel good spaces that bring people joy. It’s the essence of my business. If I can make someone’s hospital visit a little lighter, this will mean everything to me.”