PRIMARY school children across the Borders have added a splash of colour in a drawing competition to create new signs for the BGH.

The creative contest, supported by SBC’s Children and Young People’s Services, challenged the pupils to draw colourful butterfly signs for the Accident & Emergency Department at the Borders General Hospital (BGH) near Melrose. 

The purpose of the butterflies is to provide a subtle indication to staff coming into the department that a sensitive issue is taking place.

Children from schools across the Borders submitted their entries, with staff fluttering down the designs to a total of 18 butterflies which were chosen to be used in the department. 

The budding artists were invited to the BGH for an unveiling ceremony and were also given a surprise tour of the department. Book tokens donated by Friends of the BGH were presented to the children who created the top four butterflies.

Carol Wright, Unscheduled Care Nurse Manager for NHS Borders said: “During times when serious situations are taking place we try to reduce noise and behaviours that might be insensitive to families who may be struggling with the impact of a loved one who is severely injured or unwell.

“The artwork that the children have created is a friendly and respectful way for us to indicate to staff when a sensitive situation is taking place in the department. We would like to thank all of the children who participated in the competition and a big well done to all our winners.”