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"Lack of art in the hospital"

About: Glasgow Royal Infirmary

(as the patient),

I had to wait during an appointment . There was no art on the walls at all, and it was a dull environment.

I used to live in Aberdeen, where the Grampian Art Trust provide professional paintings in the corridors, often of local scenes. When my wife had cancer, much time was necessarily spent waiting in corridors, and the art was a welcome distraction. (I know they do much more, and I know that Glasgow does run art therapy for patients.) 

What I want to suggest is that Glasgow could hang paintings on the hospital corridors, and it really would make a difference. In Aberdeen it started by buying work from student shows at Grays School of Art. Nothing very expensive, but 20 years later some of those artists had become famous, and the hospital collection was worth several  million so in the long term it can be self funding, by selling on the most valuable works to buy new....

Could Glasgow not do something similar?

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Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde yesterday
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 07/07/2025 at 15:03
Published on Care Opinion at 15:03


picture of Nicole McInally

Dear Blot

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and thoughtful suggestion. We are really sorry to hear that the waiting environment during your appointment felt dull and uninspiring. You are absolutely right that visual art can offer comfort, distraction, and even hope in clinical environments especially during difficult times.

At NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, we do have an Arts and Health programme, which includes art therapy and creative engagement for patients.

We’ll make sure your suggestion is shared with the Arts and Health team. If you would like more information about this programme please visit:

https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/public-health/health-improvement/arts-and-health/

Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience and ideas.

Best wishes

Nicole

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