Newly Decorated Ward at Nevill Hall Highlights Important Work of Health Board's Painters & Decorators

As the recent refurbishment of ward 4/3 at Nevill Hall Hospital shows, a fresh lick of paint can go a long way in boosting staff morale and helping patients have a better, more positive experience.

“It is very important to keep the hospital looking clean and tidy – you want to know that it’s being cared for,” said Darren Taylor, a Painter and Decorator at Nevill Hall.

“To have a nice, coloured, decorated area is quite positive for patients…Adding a little bit of colour here and there breaks the monotony for patients on the wards, visiting out-patients, or even for staff in their workplace.”

“It makes their day a little bit better when they come into a clean, fresh, and new environment,” Darren added.

Looking new and crisp with calming yellows, blues, and greens, ward 4/3 is inviting and cheerful, which has made a big difference to staff and patients alike.

Ward Manager Daniel Saunders said, “The neutral, refreshing colours have had a positive impact on patients and staff.”

“Staff are enjoying working in a newly painted ward. It has improved staff morale and we are very proud of the work that has been completed by the hospital’s painting and decorating team.”

The power and importance of keeping our hospitals fresh and well-presented was evident during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Like all healthcare staff, the work for Darren and his colleagues carried on. They pulled their weight to ensure Gwent’s hospitals were still painted, knocks and bumps on wards were tidied up, and areas remained fresh and colourful.

Darren said, “During the pandemic, I think the whole team in the decorating department did feel that we were playing our part in the hospital by just cheering places up and adding a bit of colour to the magnolia - putting red, blue, and green everywhere for people to just appreciate in their stressful day.”

Offering a wide range of health care services across its four floors, including 213 inpatient beds, the work at Abergavenny’s general hospital is never finished.

“Having somewhere as big as Nevill Hall…once you’ve done one area, by the time you get back to it, you need to do it all again,” said Darren.

With new The Grange University Hospital, three enhanced general hospitals, and 11 community facilities across Gwent, it takes a full-time team of hard-working painters and decorators to keep all the hospital sites looking fresh and tidy for patients, visitors, and staff.