After a year of working with staff groups and other stakeholders at NHS Tayside Ward 1 Kingsway Care Centre Dundee a wonderful art and design response is the result of a collaboration between Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) and Commissioned Artist/Designer Louise Kirby.
These art works were in response to an initial enquiry to improve the environment and to respond to creating a more calming and inviting ward for patients, family and staff. The artworks also addressed and enhanced wayfinding within this dementia assessment ward. The Lead Artist Louise Kirby delivered consultation workshops and gathered feedback engagement with other stakeholders and staff groups, patients and carers throughout this process to include their responses into the overall concept designs.
Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) responded to this opportunity and to provide support and advice on the enhanced art design commissions lead by selected Artist/Designer Louise Kirby which were generously supported by a £23,000 funding award received from NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation. This award allowed Ward 1 to be refreshed and re-painted to accommodate all the new art and design fabrication and installation.
Snr Charge Nurse Steven Elder said, “I am very happy with the outcome, and it was a very interesting process to be involved in. It has involved both other staff groups and stakeholders along with carers in the decision making and is a great improvement that feels like our own bespoke environment”.
Artist Louise Kirby said, “This has been a fantastic design commission to work on in collaboration with THAT. I set out to create a bespoke and cohesive creative concept for the ward, one that thoughtfully considers the people who use the space, including Dementia Friendly principles. My aim was to help make the environment feel warmer, more welcoming, and visually engaging, while also supporting wayfinding, reducing stress, and softening the clinical feel with little nods to Dundee. It’s been a real pleasure to see the design come to life, with smooth and professional fabrication and installation by Phoenix Design.”
Brian Jones, Trustee, NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation
“We are delighted to have supported this truly inspiring project through the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation. The transformation of Ward 1 at Kingsway Care Centre is a testament to the power of creativity in enhancing healthcare environments. Through the collaboration with the Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust and the incredible work of artist Louise Kirby, this initiative has created a more uplifting and therapeutic space for patients, staff, and visitors alike. It exemplifies our commitment to funding projects that make a real and lasting difference to the health and wellbeing of our community.”
THAT Development Officer Karine Neill said, “THAT has been delighted to be involved in taking this initiative forward and being able to support and assist in the process. It has been valuable to work with Snr Charge Nurse Steven Elder and other staff along with Louise who has worked very hard to create a fantastic bespoke response to this dementia care environment."
If you would like more information, please contact Karine Neill on 01382 835509 or email Karine.neill@nhs.scot
THAT promotes the therapeutic value of arts-based programmes to enhance quality of life, promote
social inclusion and empower an individual to make an important contribution to their health and wellbeing.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation.
NHS Tayside is a registered charity and is generously funded by donations and legacies from patients, families, carers, the communities of Tayside and other organisations.
The Foundation holds funds for purposes relating to health services or research. https://nhstayside.foundation/
