Children waking up from surgery at Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital will now do so in a more child-friendly environment.
The new paediatric anaesthesia recovery area has been created to allow youngsters to come round in a dedicated area alongside other patients of a similar age.
Previously, adults and children recovered from surgery in the same area, although they were separated by designated bays.
An inspection by the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists highlighted that a dedicated area would enhance the high quality service already on offer to young patients.
Staffed by experienced paediatric nurses, it is decorated in the same seaside theme as the children’s ward, painted over three weekends by local artist Marie Wilson and her son Paul, as well as Karen Masters, who painted the seaside murals on the children’s ward.
The opening was celebrated with a party attended by NHS Fife chief executive Paul Hawkins, director of nursing Helen Paterson and nurses and doctors who work in the area, as well as the artists.
Consultant in anaesthetics and pain management, Dr Steve Gilbert, said: “The creation of this new recovery area will create a brighter, calmer, more friendly environment for children and their parents.”