Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation is proud and excited to have collaborated with The Walt Disney Company to help reimagine the patient experience for sick and injured children and their families. In an Australian first, clinical spaces at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead have been transformed with the more than 200 Disney murals and digital displays featuring iconic Disney characters and storytelling.
Disney works with children’s hospitals and paediatric places of care around the world, creating distinctly Disney experiences that deliver moments of joy when they are needed most. The creative installations help make visiting a hospital more enjoyable for both children and families, sparking joy during what can otherwise be a stressful time. The new murals create a source of distraction for patients featuring bright and interesting displays they can look at, talk about and interact act with.
The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, says: “We’re thrilled to support two of Australia’s biggest children’s hospitals. We’ve collaborated to create specially designed spaces that are unique to their setting and bring Disney magic to life. We love seeing the many ways our characters and stories can provide a positive boost to kids and families when they need it most.”
The significant Australian program was designed with Disney Imagineers, with input from child life therapists, to support clinicians in key areas by bringing joy, comfort, and entertainment to patients. In addition to the interactive murals and digital displays, called ‘magic art’ and ‘magic windows’, 20,000 Disney-themed care packages were donated to support kids through their health journeys.
Kristina Keneally, CEO of SCHF says: “We are excited that the power of philanthropy has been able to bring this collaboration to Australia for the very first time, and we are very thankful to Disney for making it possible. The impact this program will have on the patients and families being cared for in hospital will be extraordinary. Having well-loved characters and well-known stories in the clinical space will lift spirits and allow patients to make happy memories while in hospital.”
We thank Disney for the positive difference they are making in sick children's lives, helping them through some of their toughest moments and delivering joy when it's needed the most. We are thrilled to have them join the Movement of Many and support kids' health.