Sky Ceilings improving patient’s wellbeing during Radiotherapy treatment at W.P. Holman Clinic

The W.P. Holman Clinic Launceston has installed 2x new TrueBeam Linear Accelerators in the department. Alongside the machine installation a room refurbishment was also completed, this provided the opportunity for the department to create a more inviting comfortable space for patients. Keeping patient care at the centre of the upgrade it was decided the installation of a Sky Ceiling would help to create the best possible treatment environment.

The Sky Ceiling is a virtual window that fits into a ceiling. Its backlit panels feature an outdoor scene, creating the illusion you are looking through the ceiling to the sky. Evidence based research indicates access to nature or natural imagery, supports patient relaxation, and reduces both stress and anxiety. Sky Ceilings have been installed in health care environments around the world to promote patient relaxation, provide positive distraction and improve the patient’s experience.

The Sky Ceiling was funded by the amazing Holman Clinic and Cancer Ward Auxiliary, the Sky Ceiling aligns perfectly with the Auxiliary’s aim, to provide care and comfort to Cancer patients at the W.P. Holman Clinic. The team decided that the $40,000 needed was a mountain that they could climb and went about fund raising. This was done via a car raffle, cocktail party and auction as well as applying to the ‘Ricky Ponting Foundation’ for a $20,000 grant. With the grant awarded and the functions a success the auxiliary raised enough to purchase two Sky Ceilings. These have now been installed in both new machine rooms. The patient feedback so far has been resoundingly positive, providing a great new addition to our new treatment machines.

“It gave me something quite beautiful to focus on during treatment, it really feels like you are looking up at the sky.” - Patient recently treated under one of our new Sky Ceilings.