Artwork brings comfort and calm to Carrel Ward at City Hospital

The piece is part of the charity-funded Arts at NUH programme, which brings art into hospital spaces to improve patient experience, support wellbeing, and create more calming environments for patients, families, and staff.

The challenge

Patients spending time on Carrel Ward at City Hospital often face long stays in a clinical environment that can feel unfamiliar, stressful, and emotionally demanding. Staff recognised the need to soften the ward environment and create a more welcoming, homely atmosphere that could support patient wellbeing and comfort alongside clinical care.

What the grant funded

The project was delivered through the Arts at NUH programme, which is funded entirely by charitable donations and supports the integration of high-quality art across NHS hospital sites.

The artwork was also made possible in part through a gift left in the Will of a former patient, whose donation continues to support patient experience improvements.

Funding enabled the commissioning and installation of a bespoke mural titled Canopy of Care.

The mural was created by artist Lynne Hollingsworth.

Measurable outcomes

Thanks to charity funding this grant has resulted in...

Installation of a permanent, site-specific artwork on Carrel Ward

Improved visual environment for patients, families, and staff

Enhanced use of colour, nature themes, and imagery to support relaxation and wellbeing

Contribution to a wider charity-funded Arts at NUH programme across Nottingham University Hospitals

Continued delivery of patient environment improvements funded through charitable giving and legacy donations

Art Coordinator Lucy Knight (right), whose role is funded by Nottingham Hospitals Charity, highlighted the impact of bringing art into clinical spaces as part of the Arts at NUH programme. She described Canopy of Care as a piece that brings calm and connection to the ward environment, offering patients and staff a moment of pause in a busy clinical setting.

She also emphasised the importance of charitable funding in enabling these projects, which allow the hospital to improve environments beyond what core NHS funding can provide.

What patients and loved ones say...

Artist Lynne Hollingsworth described the project as a privilege, noting that the mural was designed to create softness, calm, and a sense of nature within the ward. She reflected positively on working with the ward team, who were engaged and welcoming throughout the process, helping shape a piece intended to benefit everyone using the space.

Apply for a Patient Experience grant

Small and large grants available

Nobody chooses to spend time in hospital, so our aim is to make every stay as calm, comfortable and positive as possible.

Our Patient Experience Grant supports projects that improve the experience of patients, families and carers by providing things that go beyond standard NHS provision.

Find out more

New artwork adds a touch of calm to Carrel Ward

Artists Lynne Hollingsworth added a touch of nature to Carrel Ward at City Hospital.