North Mid Charity is helping hospital patients to rehabilitate by creating art of “deep personal importance”

North Mid Charity is helping patients get creative

North Mid Charity is funding a new patients arts programme which it says will “make a vital contribution” to improving their hospital experience.

Patients at North Middlesex University Hospital in Edmonton are being invited to weekly 90-minute art sessions every Friday at the acute stroke unit (ASU) dayroom. During these sessions, facilitators provide art materials, tips and tuition to help patients create pieces of art with “deep personal importance”.

The programme creates a less stressful environment by provide patient-friendly surroundings which are relaxing and engaging, while actively supporting creativity and learning among our patients, visitors and staff.

Harriet Armstrong, medical photography manager and project lead, said: “Having already witnessed the positive impact of our art sessions for stroke patients, I know just how art can help with recovery and rehabilitation.

“Huge thanks to North Mid Charity for supporting our patient arts programme, which provides meaningful opportunities for engagement, distraction, and social interaction.”

The room, equipment and art materials are adapted to meet the individual needs of the patients, taking into consideration the diversity and complexities of patients’ needs. Patients are encouraged to visualise and verbalise their creative abilities and to practise their fine motor and cognitive skills in a relaxed, safe environment.

Patient Pauline de Souza said: “I love the Friday afternoon art sessions. They are a highlight of the week. Harriet always comes with new ideas, and it’s a great chance to socialise with other patients too.”

In celebrating the pieces of art created by patients, the pieces will be photographed, digitally enhanced and installed in North Mid’s new day surgery unit.

North Mid Charity is the registered charity of North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust. For more information and to donate:
Call 020 8887 2935
Email [email protected]

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