Beach imagery brings calm to maternity care

At the maternity ward at Halland Hospital in Varberg, Sweden, customized Silentia screens featuring soothing imagery of the beach at sunset are helping improve patient experience through privacy, symbolism, and sustainable design.

Silentia screens are an integral part of the care environment, and within maternity care, their use has been taken one step further. Here, the team has chosen to work with printed screens featuring calming imagery of a beach at sunset.

The screens serve several important functions, explains Maria Borgen, midwife and head of the maternity ward (förlossning).

“First and foremost, they create privacy during a sensitive moment—no one should feel exposed while giving birth. The screens provide visual protection when someone opens the door to the room,” says Maria.

A screen with a beach motif also plays a symbolic role, Maria adds. Comparing contractions to waves is a well-known concept in maternity care. The contractions come, build, wash over, and then subside. In the same way, an image of the sea and shore can evoke feelings of calm, rhythm, and reassurance.

Another benefit of a printed screen is that it doesn’t feel as sterile as a completely white one—it softens the room and makes it more welcoming. “That means a lot to a patient in the birthing process,” says Maria.

In addition to the visual and psychological value, Maria also highlights the practical benefits. Silentia’s screens are easy to clean and have a long lifespan, making them a more sustainable option than traditional curtains, which often need to be washed or replaced.

“Disposable curtains are real environmental culprits. Reusable products are always a better choice, both for the environment and for healthcare,” she notes.

Thanks to the adaptability of Silentia’s screens to different needs and spatial conditions, they become a flexible tool in everyday care—whether the goal is to create privacy, a sense of security, or a more beautiful care environment.