A POOLE-based artist has donated two pieces of artwork to brighten up a recently renovated hospital waiting room.

Sebastian Avoray gifted Poole Hospital two paintings featuring a coral reef with an assortment of underwater life for the waiting room of the elderly medical assessment unit.

The unit had been recently renovated when Sebastian contacted the fundraising team to see how he could help.

He then visited the waiting room to meet the staff and understand what style of art would have the most benefit for patients.

Advanced nurse practitioner Samantha Sargent said: “We are so proud to have these paintings. Many of our patients come into the hospital with dementia so it is wonderful for them to have a painting like this to distract them and calm them if they are waiting for an appointment.

“It really brightens up our day when we discover new things in the painting.”

Sebastian, who is also a neuroscience student, said: “After recently moving to the area and seeing the pressure hospitals are under, I wanted to give back to my local hospitals.

“The paintings took a few months and I feel very proud knowing that patients at the hospital may get some joy out of them.”

Sebastian is in talks with other departments for their own commissions.

The hospital also gave thanks to Dorset Framers who supplied the painting frames.