Hospital trust launches local art campaign

Artwork by Susan Birth

A hospital trust is asking for submissions of artwork that celebrate the beauty of the local landscape.

Chosen pieces will go on display across the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust's sites, with the aim of improving the wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors.

The campaign, Art for Health, encourages people to submit high quality digital pictures of their art, whether it be paintings, drawings, photography or crafts.

Those that are displayed will be placed in areas such as hospitals, waiting areas and staff rooms, as well as specialised areas like dementia wards.

Kate Wood, community engagement manager for the trust, said the art would help patients experiencing mental health issues or conditions such as dementia.

"Research shows it can stimulate memory, reduce anxiety and promote calmness," she said.

"For children and young patients, the use of colours and shapes in artwork can spark imagination and support learning.

"Another benefit of this project is helping to enhance our work environments for staff. A more inviting and positive workspace supports staff wellbeing, leading to better patient care."

Also, as part of the Art For Health scheme, the trust is asking the community to paint or write something positive on a rock and place it outside one of its buildings to create outdoor art galleries.

More than 400 staff have already taken part.

Photos of artwork can be emailed to the trust for consideration, along with the artist's name and the title and location of the piece.