In October and November 2006, Addenbrooke’s Arts entered the national event, The Big Draw. Artists and poets held creative drawing and writing workshops throughout the hospital. Drawing materials and paper flags were taken on mobile trolleys to wards and clinics enabling patients and staff to participate in the activities.
Project manager, Lesley Bermingham, said “Flags are universally understood, no matter what age, nationality or background. They can represent a variety of occasions, whether in celebration, respect or memory. Therefore, asking people to draw onto flags seemed an ideal way to represent the broad range of people who visit or stay in the hospital.”
The purpose of the event was to provide an opportunity for patients, staff and visitors to express themselves in a creative way, aid communication and in turn help create a stimulating and enriching environment, making Addenbrooke’s a more pleasant place to be.
Seeing hundreds of flags hang along the corridor triggered many a smile and positive remark or stimulated conversation between patients, staff and visitors. Many stopped to read and enjoy the varied comments and drawings. Patients on wards liked the idea that their work would be instantly displayed and shared with so many other people and even asked staff to help them get to the corridor to see the display.
The art trolleys worked well on a practical level and as an announcement that something special was about to happen.
For many it was an icebreaker to start conversation in a number of ways, either directly with the artists, between patients themselves or staff, creating a feel good factor.
Some patients with physical restraints
were very happy and surprised to discover they could use a chunky ink stamp. Having loosened up, and with help removing lids, they went on to
use a pen.
For some it was a welcome distraction from hospital stress, their ailments or boredom and contributed to an uplifting environment. Some patients valued the time to talk and be listened to.
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For more information contact:
Lesley Bermingham
Tel: 01223 217519
Ext: 3519
lesley.bermingham@addenbrookes.nhs.uk |
