IN PHOTOS: New sensory room opens in Causeway Hospital’s Emergency Department

The initial idea for the project came from ED Consultant Fiona O’Neill after the birth of her daughter Gracie, who has Down syndrome and required open-heart surgery at just three-months-old.

Fiona said: “I returned to work following a complicated maternity leave with a new passion – an Emergency Department which was more considerate and inclusive of those more vulnerable in our society.

“I wanted to create a safe space for those who struggled with things like noise, crowding in waiting areas and bright lights. Having not long become a mother of a child with additional needs I knew now was the time to drive this vision forward.

“My experience of bringing a sick child to an ED was not always pleasant, and this inspired me to think differently and improve the care that could be provided for other vulnerable patients like Gracie.”

Supported by the team within the Emergency Department, the Trust’s Learning Disability service, colleagues from the wider Health and Social Care family and service users, a vision for the sensory room was developed and it’s now making a difference for those most in need.

Featuring soothing lighting, calming projections and a range of visual and tactile elements, the bespoke space offers a welcome alternative away from the noise and activity of the main area.

Emergency Department Sister, Lisa Barclay, said: “The completion of the sensory room is a huge achievement for everyone involved and a real success story for Causeway Hospital.”