A newly refurbished room designed especially for teenagers with cancer has been unveiled in Wexford General Hospital, funded by national charity Childhood Cancer Ireland, with support from local groups and community fundraising efforts.
The room on Gabriel’s Ward, the hospital’s paediatric ward, has been carefully designed to create a comforting and engaging environment for teenagers with cancer while they are patients in the hospital. The ‘wonders of the world’ theme brings the outside in, for teenagers that may be feeling isolated as a result of their illness and treatment.
The inviting design helps transform the hospital experience by creating a more age-appropriate and welcoming environment for teenagers during longer stays. Features of the room include vinyl wall art with facts about famous wonders from around the world, a media wall with a large TV and PS5, LED lighting, lava lamps, speakers and additional storage, as well as new furniture.
The project was developed with the support and guidance of Naomi Howlin’s family, her parents Niamh and Barry and her brother Stephen. Naomi, who sadly passed away in 2024, spent many nights and weeks on Gabriel’s Ward as an in-patient during her illness. Her family wanted to create an inviting space that had everything a teenager needed to feel more at home.
Laura Cullinan, CEO of Childhood Cancer Ireland, said projects like this highlight the power of community support and collaboration.
“Childhood Cancer Ireland is a national charity solely dedicated to supporting children and young people with cancer, survivors and their families throughout their cancer experience. We have worked in partnership with Wexford General Hospital to ensure that young cancer patients have an age-appropriate room that provides vital distractions and a much-needed sense of normality during an incredibly challenging time. Being a teenager on a paediatric ward can be difficult, as it can be challenging to meet the needs of both younger children and teenagers. We are delighted to be able to provide a welcoming space for teens and their families.”
The charity was supported by several local fundraising initiatives, including support from Wexford Lions Club; artist Verna Goff, who dedicated proceeds from her work Precious Pebbles to the project in memory of her son Edward; and Naomi’s school friends from Loreto Wexford, who organised a cake sale in her memory to help raise funds for the room.
Niamh Howlin, Naomi’s Mum:
“We are very grateful to everyone who helped the room become a reality – fundraisers, designers, Childhood Cancer Ireland and the staff of Gabriel’s, who all worked together to leave a wonderful tribute to Naomi.”
Ciara Day CNM2, Gabriel’s Ward, Wexford General Hospital:
“We are incredibly grateful to Childhood Cancer Ireland and to everyone in the local community who supported this project in memory of Naomi. Hospital stays can be particularly difficult for teenagers and having a dedicated space that feels welcoming, comforting and age-appropriate can make a real difference to a young person’s experience while receiving treatment. This room will provide an important space for teenage patients and their families for many years to come, and we are proud to have partnered on such a meaningful initiative.”
The refurbishment is part of Childhood Cancer Ireland’s ongoing work to improve hospital environments for children and young people with cancer in regional hospitals across Ireland, helping to provide comfort, distraction and support for families during treatment.
