Patient Diane Smith beamed as she cut the ribbon to officially open Logan Hospital’s new Palliative Care Ward (3C) last week.
But her smile grew even bigger when she was wheeled into her new 'room with a view'.
A stunning decal of Lake Moogerah stretched across the window, helping to create the illusion of a peaceful water view instead of a hospital wall outside.
Diane was the first patient to experience this thoughtful addition, one of eight Queensland landscapes chosen in collaboration with Palliative Care staff and consumers to bring warmth and comfort to the ward’s new Building 1, Level 3, location.
This initiative was made possible thanks to the Logan Hospital Giving Fund, which provided funding to install the nature-inspired window decals across the ward.
Nurse Unit Manager Gillian Myles said the decals were carefully selected to evoke ‘light and living’, benefiting not only patients but also their families and staff.
“Research tells us how important it is to bring ‘life’ into a palliative care space,” Gillian said.
“The right mix of colours and imagery can uplift moods, ease stress, and even reduce distress in patients and their loved ones.”
Logan Hospital Fund Community Partnerships Manager Ellen Dan said the project was one of many made possible by the generosity of patients, families, and community donors.
“When people choose to give to the Logan Hospital Giving Fund, they’re helping to create better health outcomes for the Logan community,” Ellen said.
“This project is a wonderful example of how donations can make a real difference in the patient experience.”
Beyond the decals, the new ward features LED light panels mimicking blue skies and clouds above patient beds and, for the first time, Murphy beds (pull-down beds) for loved ones to stay close in comfort.
With 3C set to become the largest palliative care unit in Metro South Health, the team said they were committed to leading the way in innovation and culturally responsive, best-practice palliative care.
