Patients visiting our Radiology reception and x-ray room will be transported to another world, thanks to the imaginative designs of artist, Daniel Russell-Ahern, known as Mr Murals.

The rooms were in need of a refresh and colleagues were keen to get the space looking bright, fun and inviting for the young patients who visit. After securing charity funding to revamp the space, the team contacted Daniel, who is originally from Castle Bromwich. He was only too happy to help, and much to the surprise and delight of the team, volunteered his time for free, only asking for the cost of materials to be covered.

Before starting his designs, Daniel was keen to get the input of the children who would be using the rooms, asking what type of characters they’d like to see included. The end result is a vibrant, glow-in-the-dark, space-themed masterpiece, featuring the much-loved characters of Buzz Lightyear, Mickey and Minnie, as well as Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario, plus others. In the reception, Daniel has even added some bandages to the characters, to reflect some of the ailments young patients visiting the department will have. In all, Daniel has dedicated over 170 hours to the project.

Daniel said: “When I was contacted about the project, I jumped at the chance to get involved, and volunteering my time seemed like the right thing to do. Knowing my work will put smiles on the faces of the kids is payment enough for me. It’s been a really enjoyable and collaborative process, and the staff have been great in keeping me going through the long hours by bringing me cups of tea and dropping by for a chat.”

Claire Evans, a paediatric radiographer at our hospital, said: “As Daniel’s been creating the murals over the course of a few weekends, some of our patients have been able to get a sneak peak of the designs, and their reaction has been fantastic. We are all in awe of what Daniel’s created for us. Never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined an outcome like this, and we’re so thankful. The murals are a real talking point and, not only will they help our young patients relax in what could otherwise be quite a daunting experience, they’ve also given our staff in Radiology a real sense of pride in their working environment.”