20 March 2017
Local primary school children in the Borders recently took part in a drawing competition supported by SBC’s Children and Young People’s Services to create colourful butterfly signs for the Accident & Emergency Department in the BGH. The purpose of the butterflies is to provide a subtle indication to staff coming into the department that a sensitive issue is taking place.
Competition was stiff with entries submitted by children from schools across the central Borders area. A total of 18 butterflies were chosen to be used in the department. The budding artists were invited to the BGH for an unveiling ceremony and were also given a surprise tour of the department. Book tokens donated by Friends of the BGH were presented to the children who created the top four butterflies.
Carol Wright, Unscheduled Care Nurse Manager for NHS Borders said: “During times when serious situations are taking place we try to reduce noise and behaviours that might be insensitive to families who may be struggling with the impact of a loved one who is severely injured or unwell.
“The artwork that the children have created is a friendly and respectful way for us to indicate to staff when a sensitive situation is taking place in the department. We would like to thank all of the children who participated in the competition and a big well done to all our winners.”
Pictured: Local primary children from Tweedbank Primary School, St. Peter’s Primary School, St. Margaret’s Primary School and St Boswell’s Primary School at the BGH with their winning butterflies.