CASE STUDY OF A MURAL ENHANCEMENT PROJECT 2024
WARD 303 ONCOLOGY, MURAL ENHANCEMENT AND ARTWORK PROJECT
The Royal Derby Hospital UHDB NHS Trust
The Royal Derby Hospital UHDB NHS Trust
This Mural Enhancement Project was commissioned by Air Arts.
Stakeholders: Patients, Visitors, Staff, UHDB University Hospital of Derby and Burton, Air Arts
Welcome Artwork at Entrance
Detail of Welcome Artwork
Creating the welcome wall
Lynne with Kate from Airs Arts who commissioned the project
The aim of the project was to transform a clinical environment into a space of healing and hope. The murals and artworks were designed to reduce stress, promote emotional well-being, and provide a visual escape for patients undergoing treatment. The murals create a healing environment, offering patients and their families a sense of peace and connection to the natural world during treatment.
I used subtle and soothing shades - thoughtfully selected colours from the colour spectrum that ensure the space conveys a real sense of support and safety. It is crucial to promote a feeling of calm, as well as tying into the existing colour palette of fittings, flooring and furniture. I wanted to evoke a sense of well-being, as holistic healthcare is much more than meeting medical needs.
POSITIVE AND LASTING IMPACT - TESTIMONIALS
''The artwork has given a sense of calm and safety to our patients and visitors arriving on our ward. Living with cancer is incredibly frightening , and when admitted to hospital in such a bright clinical area can be even more daunting, bringing elements of nature, and the outside in gives that initial welcome and security that I believe our patients and relatives need in difficult times''
Amy - Interim Senior Sister Ward 303
''As a mental health specialist, I am continuously aware of the impact our environment has on our mood. As a cancer patient of the last 18 months, my visits to the oncology department are filled with a sense of nervous anticipation for what news I may receive during that visit. I find Royal Derby Hospital’s commitment to art in the hospital admirable and I particularly enjoy the murals painted by Lynne Hollingsworth. The mural in the oncology department enables me to enjoy colours, patterns, admire creativity and sink into a more mindful state. For me, it's the perfect example of art as a form of therapy. Thank you Lynne''
Julian Hall - Patient and Leader of ‘Calm People’
WATCH A SHORT FILM BELOW THAT SHOWCASES THE PAINTED MURALS ALONG THE CORRIDORS
FEEDBACK FROM PATIENTS COLLECTED BY STAFF
‘A very positive environment and feels less clinical than other wards’
‘Makes you feel welcomed when you walk onto the ward’
‘It brightens the ward up and is cheerful. Give a talking point’
‘Feels very calming’
‘Every time you look at the artwork, you spot something different’
‘Beautiful & colourful’
‘Bringing the outside in’
‘Can't believe it was painted by hand, looks so detailed’