http://formedfilms.co.uk/a-little-deep-sleep.html Anaesthetists at Bristol Children's Hospital have partnered with a new not for profit animation company ForMed Films CIC to produce a ground breaking animation to support young people and their families when coming in for an anaesthetic. The animation is called 'A little Deep Sleep' A family guide to anaesthetics and is the brain child of anaesthetists Drs Judith Nolan and Dr Anthony Bradley.
After performing a survey at the hospital, they wanted to find the best way to ease concerns that children had about coming in for an anaesthetic. The survey asked patients and their families about what research they performed prior to coming to the hospital and whether this research helped to ease their anxieties. The survey showed that an educational film that they could watch on the hospital’s website from home would prove most beneficial to all of the family.
Dr Anthony Bradley, Paediatric Anaesthetic Consultant at the children’s hospital said: “Coming to hospital for any reason, especially when it involves an anaesthetic, can be a very stressful experience for parents and children. We wanted to address these real concerns in a way that is relevant and engaging. We felt that a short, factually accurate, animated film made by the children who would benefit most, would best address the anxieties and questions we had identified in an accessible and entertaining way.”
The film was created and animated by Bristol-based animation studio ForMed Films CIC and was directed by BAFTA winning creative director of ForMed Films, and production designer for Charlie and Lola, Emma Lazenby. The film was funded by The Grand Appeal, the children’s hospital charity. Emma visited the hospital and spent time with patients on the wards and in the operating theatres and recovery, capturing all of the sounds of the hospital environment. The children and staff on the wards at the time were interviewed and recorded and in production these voices were given to the animated characters. The locations and machines in the hospital are used, to make the film as realistic as possible.
Helen Mason, CEO of ForMed Films CIC and an occupational therapist said: 'Until now, information has usually been given to families in the form of leaflets, but the imagery of the animation was able to capture far more about the actual experience of what will happen. ‘ Anna Shepherd, Deputy Director of The Grand Appeal said: “As the charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital, The Grand Appeal is committed to supporting a wide range of projects that help sick children and their families during their stay. We are very proud to have been able to fund this invaluable resource, which we are sure will have a real benefit to future patients’ experience during treatment.”
Patients and their families can now visit the website to watch the film to help ease uncertainties about coming in for an anaesthetic. For more information please contact Helen Mason via [email protected]