‘Leaf’ Your Feedback – Durham Regional Cancer Centre Partners with Local High School to Transform Cement Poles in Waiting Rooms to Trees

The Durham Regional Cancer Centre (DRCC) just got a little brighter, thanks to the help of the talented art students from O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute (CVI).

In partnership with the DRCC, art teacher Jennifer Fabris and her students worked together to create ‘feedback trees’ on the cement poles in the DRCC over the last few months.

The idea for this project came from the DRCC Patient and Family Advisory Council. The Advisors were asked to consider how patients could share feedback on their experiences with care and treatment other than completing a survey. This led to the vision of creating trees with birdhouses where patients could leave (‘leaf’) their compliments as well as identify opportunities for improvement.

The DRCC previously partnered with O’Neill CVI while the cancer centre was undergoing renovations. Jennifer’s students generously loaned their artwork and photographs to be displayed on the hoarding boards, which were very well received by patients, families, and team members at the DRCC.

“When the idea to create these trees was identified, I reached out to Jennifer to see if this was another project that she and her art students would be interested in,” said Debbie Devitt, Patient Experience Lead, DRCC. “It’s important to partner with our community whenever there’s an opportunity.”

Over the last few months, the students have put their passion and talent to work, bringing these trees to life one branch at a time.

“A lot of great conversations took place between the students and our patients while they painted,” said Debbie, “offering a great distraction for patients while they waited for their appointments.” 

Since completion, everyone at the DRCC has been enjoying the beautiful new artwork that has added colour and vibrancy to the waiting room spaces.

“We have already received lots of positive comments from patients, families and the DRCC team,” said Debbie. 

Patricia, a DRCC patient had the opportunity to watch the progress of the trees over the last few weeks as she came for her daily radiation treatments and shared these comments: “They are gorgeous. The trees are really something. I love all the colour the students have added to what were once blank poles.”  

Patti Marchand, Clinical Director of the DRCC, shared that “having these trees not only improves these areas, but also creates a unique way to hear from our patients. We’re so grateful to have been able to partner with O’Neill CVI on this wonderful project.”