New inclusive operating theatre environment officially opened at Tullamore Hospital
Enhancing the experience for patients with additional needs attending the Operating Department at Tullamore Hospital
MIDLANDS Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT) is proud to announce the official opening of a newly enhanced sensory-friendly environment within its Operating Department. This initiative was made possible with the support and funding of the Midlands NMPDU.
This important initiative, developed under the acronym SHINE (Supporting Health Inclusivity for Everyone), is designed to improve the hospital experience for patients with additional needs, including neurodivergent children and adults, by creating a more accessible and calming environment.
This project was developed and led by Hazel Egan, Clinical Nurse Manager 2, and Zita Gibson, Enhanced Senior Staff Nurse, in the Operating Department at MRHT. The project has introduced a range of measures aimed at creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for patients and staff alike and is the first Operating Department in Ireland to have a sensory room. In recognition of its innovation and positive impact, the project was nominated recently for a HSE Spark Award.
Hospital settings can be particularly overwhelming for many patients. Bright lighting, noise, unfamiliar routines and waiting times can contribute to anxiety and distress. For individuals with sensory processing difficulties, autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, communication difficulties, or other additional needs, these challenges can be even more significant.
The SHINE project addresses the gap between traditional Operating Theatre environments and the sensory, communication and emotional needs of patients. Importantly, while developed with neurodivergent patients and those with additional needs in mind, the improvements are designed to benefit all patients, recognising that attending theatre for a procedure can be a stressful experience for anyone.
Recognising the challenges that the perioperative environment can present for many patients, Hazel and Zita worked closely with families, service users, multidisciplinary colleagues and external stakeholders to create a more inclusive and supportive experience.
Extensive engagement with families of children with additional needs and other service users ensured that lived experiences directly informed service improvements.
Enhancements have been introduced across key areas of the patient journey, including:
Children's check-in, waiting and assessment areas
The recovery room (PACU)
A dedicated sensory space within the children's waiting area
Sensory-friendly adaptations, including specialised lighting, visual supports and equipment
In addition, staff have undertaken specialist training in neurodiversity awareness and communication, delivered by AsIAm, Ireland's national autism charity.
The initiative is expected to deliver significant benefits for patients, families and staff, including:
Reduced anxiety and enhanced comfort for patients undergoing procedures
A more positive hospital experience for patients and families
Improved engagement and cooperation during assessment, treatment and recovery
Increased staff confidence in supporting patients with additional needs
More efficient patient flow and a reduced need for additional interventions
Enhanced accessibility and inclusivity within the perioperative environment
Speaking about the initiative, Hazel Egan, Clinical Nurse Manager 2, said, "Through our work in theatre, Zita and I recognised that the perioperative environment can be overwhelming for many patients, particularly those who are neurodivergent or have additional needs. However, anxiety and sensory overload can affect anyone attending hospital for a procedure. Our aim was to create a more welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment where all patients feel safe, respected and understood throughout their journey."
Louisea Burke, General Manager, MRHT, said, “This initiative reflects our strong commitment to delivering inclusive, person-centred care for every patient who comes through our doors. By listening to the experiences of children, adults and their families, we have been able to make meaningful improvements that create a more supportive and responsive environment. The SHINE project is an important step forward in ensuring that patients with additional needs receive the same high standard of care, in a setting that recognises and respects their individual needs. We are proud of the collaboration behind this work and remain focused on continuing to enhance accessibility and patient experience across our hospital.”
The SHINE project continues to evolve, with further staff training and education planned as the department works toward achieving AsIAm autism friendly accreditation and embedding best practice in inclusive healthcare. These next steps will build on the strong foundations established by the SHINE initiative, ensuring that patients attending MRHT with additional needs, and their families, experience care that is consistently supportive, understanding and tailored to their individual needs.