Maternity mural brings joy to new families at Warrington Hospital
Published date: Friday 31 July 2026
A new mural has been opened on the maternity unit at Warrington Hospital thanks to students from Carmel College.
The project, co-ordinated by maternity support worker Emma Bright, welcomed sixth form fine art students from the St Helens college to bring some colour to the corridors of the maternity unit to welcome parents, families and visitors as they approach or leave the ward.
Under the guidance of Carmel College’s head of fine art, Melissa Wright, students Anna Leigh, Amelia Baker, Becah Nogueira, Charlotte Johnson, Ionela Turcan, Isla Stabbins, Kiara Dorkel-Law and Laila Turner spent two days creating the hand drawn mural, inspired by artwork chosen by women and families on the unit.
The large-scale mural, painted on a 40-foot wall, includes intricately hand-painted flowers with flowing lines to illustrate the journey from pregnancy to birth and through to early years of life. It also features 5 intertwined butterflies to represent the 1 in 5 families who sadly experience pregnancy loss.
With a delicate design surrounding the words ‘welcome to the world little one’ the new mural makes the perfect spot for that famous ‘going home’ hospital photograph.
Speaking about the project, Emma said: “Lots of families take photographs on the corridor when they are leaving hospital with their precious newborn and as a team, we had noticed that the main corridor was a bit plain, with quite a clinical feel. We came up with the idea of reaching out to local colleges and it was a great opportunity to work alongside Melissa and the students to discuss design ideas. We were also able to share the designs with families receiving care on the unit, so it was extra special and represented their journeys.
“The students were absolutely fantastic on the day and so many families have commented on the difference it has made to the unit!”
Nikki Webb, maternity ward manager, said: “We couldn’t be happier with our new mural and would like to say a massive thank to you the students for giving up their time to complete this project for us.”
This beautiful artwork will become a special backdrop for families across Warrington to make memories over the years to come.