Artwork explores history of Milton Keynes
AS PART of a Heritage Lottery Fund project, MK Arts for Health, the arts group at Milton Keynes Hospital, is producing a giant mosaic to brighten up the atrium space in Ward 22. Aimed at raising awareness of the hidden ancient history of Milton Keynes, artist Mel Watts worked with people of all ages and abilities to make the piece, which will be placed on the walls of the atrium, giving a colourful view for patients in the surrounding rooms. Patients and visitors will also be able to spot different objects, animals and patterns and learn more about the history of the local area. The piece will be installed next month.
Three-year project tests link between music and wellbeing
The work will identify new and innovative approaches to music delivery within the healthcare environment and will outline clear training pathways for musicians and healthcare professionals in the future
IN COLLABORATION with the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Manchester arts and health charity, Lime, has developed a three-year music and health strategy for Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The programme will build on existing work, including expertly-led training residencies for musicians on wards, led by the RNCM’s Music for Health team; and music therapy services provided by Nordoff-Robbins. It will also incorporate public concerts, performances and associated research measuring direct health outcomes. A Lime spokesman said: “The work will identify new and innovative approaches to music delivery within the healthcare environment and will outline clear training pathways for musicians and healthcare professionals in the future. The programme will draw on Manchester’s rich musical heritage as well as on national and international expertise.”
Exhibition charts hospital’s history
PETERBOROUGH and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will open its first public exhibition in the new city hospital this week. The show, entitled Our Histories, is being held in the exhibition area on level one in the main atrium and was created in partnership with Peterborough Museum. It includes artifacts, photographs and documents and will tell the story of the development of healthcare in Peterborough from the 19th Century onwards, from the opening of the first small dispensary in 1815 to the unveiling of the new £289m Peterborough City Hospital. Trust arts co-ordinator, Emma Larkinson, said: “This is such a nice opportunity to explore the history of healthcare in Peterborough. The exhibition contains some intriguing examples of medical equipment from times past and a display of photographs that show life in the hospitals over the years and I’m sure people will be fascinated to see how far healthcare has come.” As well as the exhibition, the trust is preparing to create permanent art work in the hospital following the appointment of two artists, Natasha Carsberg and Lisa Temple Cox. They will work with local people, patients, visitors and staff to collate memories, interesting stories and experiences of the changing healthcare in the city.
Youngsters drive plans for art at new hospital
CHILDREN and young people attending appointments at the Royal Bolton Hospital showed their creative side when asked for ideas to inspire artists creating a mural for the hospital’s new paediatric unit. Youngsters waiting for appointments and receiving treatment overnight were asked to offer thoughts on what the artwork should include when the new facility opens later this year. The works are being put together by local artists, Sam Tickner and Rebecca Peacock, and include a welcoming mural near the entrance. Janice Lovell, department manager for women and children’s services, said: “We understand that a stay in hospital can be daunting for most children, so we’re working hard to create a welcoming atmosphere and distract patients from their treatment. We’re making sure that children themselves have a say in the new facilities we are developing whenever possible and their ideas for the mural are very welcome.” Tickner added: “By using the input of patients, whether it is used for the overall theme or single elements like a favourite animal, they can feel they’ve played a part in the welcome other children will receive for years to come.” The new unit, part of the Greater Manchester Making it Better investments in maternity, neonatal and children and young people’s services will include single rooms, a new children’s assessment and observation unit and a dedicated adolescent unit.
Scouts celebrate Centenary with hospital display
AS PART of their Centenary celebrations, scouts from Guernsey and Alderney have been taking part in an art competition that will culminate with their work going on display at the island’s Princess Elizabeth Hospital. The exhibition will be located along the Level 1 link corridor and will run until the end of May. The works have been created using a variety of different materials, including wood, scout badges, wool, neckerchiefs and felt pens. Scout commissioner, Julie Bulpitt, said: “It is amazing the different techniques that the young people and adults have used to create the ‘100’ theme. Some have used some traditional scouting methods, as art and craft is part of the balanced programme and fits perfectly with the ethos of Scouting.” Nancy Strike, arts co-ordinator for Guernsey’s Health and Social Services, added: “We welcome the opportunity to bring the community into the hospital and what better way to do so than to honour Scouting in its Centenary year.”
Patient raises awareness through art
THE Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is hosting a display by the Motor Neurone Disease Association to raise awareness of the condition. The Incurable Optimism campaign features the work of artist and father-of-three, Patrick Joyce, who suffers from the disease and hopes to capture 100 images of fellow sufferers before the disease takes away his ability to paint forever. So far he has painted 17 portraits and the trust will display them in the main reception of Hillingdon Hospital and outside the restaurant in the main building at Mount Vernon Hospital over the coming weeks. He said: “I started this 100 portraits project in the hope I could show that behind the horrible statistics there are people fighting tooth and claw to stop this disease and people giving up their lives to care for the sufferers. I wanted to do it because these are real people, each with an amazing story of courage and hope for the future. I want to tell their stories and through the telling, inspire more people to help us.” Marie Batey, director of the patient experience and nursing at Hillingdon Hospital, added: “We are so proud to show Patrick’s work to our patients, staff and visitors, and hope that it inspires others who may suffer from this terrible disease.”