quality collection of more than 2,000 objects; runs an artist-in-residency programme; and stages temporary exhibitions to serve the five east London hospitals within the trust. And it devises patient participation


projects run by artists, such as a recent workshops for young patients exploring emotional storytelling through drawing, painting and collage making; and a series of inter-generational creative workshops for older patients and schoolchildren. But Barts is not the only trust driving the arts in health agenda. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s CW+ arts group recently unveiled its book, The Healing Arts, which celebrates 25 years of the hospital’s arts programme.


Built in 1993, the hospital was the first in the UK to lay down an arts and design manifesto. Since then, the collection and programme, which is entirely funded by the charity, has grown significantly, amounting to more than 2,000 pieces and with performances and participation programmes reaching more than 1.5 million people every year.


Positive outcomes “The CW+ arts programme actively supports the physical, mental and emotional experience and recovery of patients – in some cases, shortening their stay or reducing their need for pain medication,” said Chris Chaney, chief executive of CW+. “We know that prolonged hospital stays can often result in stress, boredom and loneliness for patients and the ‘Arts for All’ programme provides meaningful cultural opportunities which offer distraction, entertainment and social interaction. “In addition, the Design and


Environment and Future Hospital areas of our work look to optimise the built environment, in turn improving psychological, physical and clinical outcomes within our hospital.” Offering advice to other trusts, Chaney said: “Arts in health is best approached through the lens of demonstrating positive outcomes, improved efficiency, and a better patient experience. “And evidence-based research and


44 healthcaredm.co.uk


tangible outcomes are necessary to emphasise how meaningful these programmes can be.” Director of the patient environment,


Trystan Hawkins, adds: “Involving a range of different stakeholders, including patients, is essential. It is also important to be able to adjust and refine projects to changing requirements.” And he agrees with Roberts that getting buy-in at board level is crucial. “It is important to build meaningful


relationships with the teams on the ground, who see patients every day and are aware of their needs. In turn, this helps to construct a dialogue and build standing with management who will then see the benefits,” Hawkins adds. Examples of some of the latest arts in health projects include The Royal Papworth Hospital, which opened in April and features an impressive art installation by Adam Ball. The 3m by 16m light installation forms the exterior wall of the hospital next to the main entrance and is one of the first things people see on approaching and entering the building. With the positive impact of colour particularly well documented in scientific and medical journals; the illuminated coloured panels transition through the seasons, with warm oranges and yellows in winter, and relaxing blues and greens in the summer.


“Hospitals can be intimidating


environments, so I wanted my work to be welcoming for patients and their families as they arrive, and to create a less-clinical, optimistic feel and a brief distraction from their circumstances,” said Ball.


Reducing anxiety


And a whopping £5m has been invested on an arts programme for the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh. Despite the opening of the building having been delayed due to ventilation and drainage issues (see News pages); once open visitors will be able to view the work of more than 30 artists. The largest capital commissioning


programme for hospital arts in the UK; the project was curated and produced


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57