Soothing artwork brings comfort to patients undergoing surgery
An ordinary corridor at the new Robin Hood Theatre Suite has been transformed into a tranquil gallery, thanks to a series of stunning landscapes created by a talented member of staff who works on the unit.
Alison Jebson works as Theatre Support Services Manager and paints the artwork in her spare time as part of her Ma&Me portfolio. The collection, which now adorns the corridors leading up to the surgery area, features carefully detailed scenes that help provide calm, familiarity and for some, nostalgia. Each piece helps patients feel more relaxed on their way to surgery, a time where anxiety and nerves may be at their highest.
These pieces are drawn solely from photographs and are embedded with a personal touch as Alison gets support from her daughter Amie, who is another member of NUH staff and a keen artist herself, provides her mum with ideas and inspirations during her painting sessions. Many depict places that hold special memories for the patients themselves. These artworks are usually commissioned by patients or members of the theatre team and take around four months to complete.
Alison spoke about the importance of the artwork on patients and herself: “The impact I’ve seen has been a more welcoming environment and conversation starter like a brief encounter of distraction therapy. Patients, staff and visitors often say, ‘Ooh don’t tell me, let me guess, I’ve been there - is it Whitby?’ Or ‘That looks like Portmeirion in Wales!’ This is a statement people often say when they go through and then pause to reminisce on a holiday memory with loved ones they have experienced.
“The colourful work distracts from the new bright white corridors often associated with our clinical environment, to a warm welcoming conversation starter, people often guessing where the pictures are from and then relating to their favourite places or a special moment in time for them. How lovely is that? I couldn’t be prouder.”
The artwork has quickly become a talking point between staff and patients. The warm and natural tones of the pieces offer a welcome contrast to the clinical environment, making patients feel more at ease and comfortable.
Elizabeth Sheppard, Theatre Team Leader, worked with the Charity to help install these pieces into the corridor. She spoke fondly of the project: “The pictures drawn by the very talented Ma&Me provide a welcome distraction for our patients. They not only brighten up the corridor but they provide a much-needed distraction and talking point for our patients.
“Every day when I walk through the unit I see someone taking time to stop, look and admire the beautiful artwork. On behalf of myself and the team that work in the Robin Hood theatres we can't thank Alison enough for these wonderful drawings and we are all excited to see what she draws next.”
The pieces on the wall don’t mark the end of the artwork. Alison is busy thinking about her next piece and where it will be placed on the wall.
This initiative is a beautiful example of how creativity and compassion can improve patient wellbeing. As patients pause to look at the pieces they are reminded of the world outside the hospital walls, and places that they love and bring comfort.
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