Arts for Heart of England
Providing a healing environment, through the creative arts, for the benefit of patients, visitors and staff
The Arts aim to:
- Improve the quality of the health environment by linking art, architecture and interior design at every opportunity
- Present a positive image of the hospital, displaying a cared-for appearance and encouraging a greater sense of responsibility by all who use it, thus discouraging all forms of vandalism
- Help visitors, patients and staff to find their way by using art and graphics as part of the directional signing system
- Create closer links between the hospital and local community, by involving them in activities and events, thereby dispelling some of the apprehension surrounding health care
- Help hospital staff develop a sense of responsibility and pride in their work environment
- Alleviate stress and boredom for patients
- Provide reassurance and comfort, humour and interest
Art Cart
Volunteers visit ward 26 with the Art Cart to deliver simple art and craft packs to keen patients. A wide range of activities are on offer including ;
crosswords
crocheting
drawing
knitting
short stories in large type
sewing
making personalised greeting cards
playing cards
colouring
decoupage
Patients have the chance to do something enjoyable and constructive during their stay. It can help ease the boredom during a hospital admission or help take their mind away from being in hospital. Many of the patients enjoy card making and all other activities. Since the centre has been open patients have been involved in numerous art projects and examples can be seen around the centre, e.g., silk paintings, photographs etc.
Patient Artwork
Hello! My name is Nabeeda Naaz.
I am a CF patient on Ward 26 and I would like to tell you how much I enjoy the art club on our ward and say a big thank you to Maureen and Sharon (the volunteers) who go out of their way to encourage patients to get involved with 'Arts for Heartlands', when they come round the ward with the art trolley on Thursdays and Fridays every week. I hope that these activities continue and that patients continue to benefit from them. (Picture showing the greetings cards Nabeeda has crafted).
