New artwork unveiled at the PEH

Tuesday 20 November 2018

Patients on Le Marchant Ward at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital are benefiting from a new artwork project, brightening up the rooms.

The Arts for Impact project, which was jointly funded by Art for Guernsey and Generali Worldwide, is a Guernsey based initiative which aims to address societal challenges through creative projects.

The charity employs skilled local artists and designers to 'create solutions to societal challenges' and facilitates creative sessions with various local groups across healthcare, hospitality, education, workplaces and the prison.

After a consultation with staff and patients at Le Marchant Ward, illustrator Hugh Rose learned that a primary concern is the immobility of patients. There's a perception that a stay at a hospital is synonymous with ‘bed rest’, however, an overwhelming body of research indicates clearly that immobility (remaining in bed, or in a chair) negatively impacts health and slows recovery. Arts for Impact produced a detailed creative brief to produce an art project that would support patients' recovery by encouraging more movement around the ward.

Pictured: One of the murals on the walls of Le Marchant Ward.

Mr Rose approached the project by taking inspiration from Guernsey’s landscape, installing life-size views of coastal walks. He aimed to transform the experience of patients by making the ward a pleasant space to walk around and explore, bringing the experience of abundant colour and wildlife found outdoors into the hospital, where many patients must stay for long periods of time with limited mobility. 

Arts for Impact wanted to thank Art for Guernsey and Generali Worldwide for their generous support of this project. Staff at Generali Worldwide carried out various fundraising activities and the total was matched by the firm. 

The charity also thanked HSC Arts and Culture Manager Lottie Barnes, and the staff and patients at Le Marchant Ward for all their help in making this project a success.

Pictured top l to r: David Ummels (Art for Guernsey), Hugh Rose (Arts for Impact), Tony Mealing (Generali Worldwide), Meriel Lenfestey (Arts for Impact)