Western General Waiting Area Revamped by Young Patients

AN ART project to transform the waiting area and corridors of Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital into a seaside scene is going swimmingly thanks to funding from a local charity.

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) has partnered with the National Museum of Scotland to makeover the space which houses the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services at the hospital.

Patients and staff have been actively involved in the project and made the decision, along with lead artist Catriona McIntyre, to have a seaside theme. They have created bright and colourful pieces of artwork which will be displayed on the corridor and waiting area walls to make a friendlier and welcoming area for visitors.

Sankurie Pye and Fiona Ware, Curators of Invertebrate Biology at the National Museum of Scotland, have also contributed weird and wonderful samples from the museum’s collection, including a digital microscope, which young patients can use to learn more about seashells and creatures.

Fiona O’Sullivan, Arts Programme Manager at ECHC, said: “The purpose of the project is to design a bright and colourful space which will be a fun but calming setting for children and their families when they visit the hospital.

“Art is a wonderful way for the young patients to express themselves and can be a hugely relaxing and therapeutic activity for them. They have loved being involved in the project and have especially enjoyed producing their own artwork and getting to see it on display.

“Partnering with the National Museum of Scotland meant it was also educational, so we can’t thank Sankurie and Fiona enough for their involvement. They have really helped make the project extra special.

“We exist to ensure children and young people’s lives are less interrupted by illness and it’s the generosity of those who get involved with us which allows us to continue to do this. We can’t wait to see the end result.”

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity supports the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh and has contributed over £3 million towards its move to a new, purpose-built home at Little France in 2018.