Children recovering from surgery at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust now have a bright and cheerful mural on display in the recovery room to help make the experience less daunting for them.

The new colourful and vibrant jungle scene aims to distract young patients and improve the experience for them and their families and has been installed thanks to funding from the charity Time is Precious.

Heather White, Junior Sister, said: “The mural has made such a positive difference in the department.

“Thanks to the support of Time is Precious we have been able to make what is often a worrying experience for our young patients much more positive.

“The mural changes the overall feeling of the department, identifying it as an area specifically for children. But it has also proved really popular with staff, who love working amongst the animals!”

Nicky Halford from Time is Precious, which has supported key improvement projects across the RUH, said: “Time Is Precious is honoured to of made a positive difference for children and their families at the RUH. It is a pleasure to support the RUH and the children’s recovery area in any way we can.”

Time is Precious charity was set up in 2011 by Neil and Nicky Halford in memory of their son Ben, who passed away from cancer aged just five. Ben was treated at the RUH, as well as Bristol Children's Hospital and the former Frenchay Hospital.

The aim of the charity is to help create a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for children and their families in hospital and at home, by purchasing equipment and refurbishing areas for children.

To date, it has donated more than £450,000 to the RUH in the form of equipment and refurbishment projects. You can find out more about Time is Precious on its website.