Award-winning art and environment strategy

Our December Project of the Month features the art installations at the new East Lothian Community Hospital (ELCH). The hospital implemented an award-winning art and environment strategy to improve the physical and mental well-being of patients, staff and visitors. As we are all about greenspace our focus is on the outdoor art installations but the programme also permeates the hospital building with artworks and design that draw upon the unique landscape and stories of East Lothian. 

Engagement with the outdoor environment

A central focus of the outdoor art programme was encouraging engagement with the outdoor environment. A series of exercise sculptures designed by artist Alex Allan in collaboration with physiotherapists from the East Lothian clinic were specifically conceived to support physical rehabilitation. They encourage activities such as balancing, stepping and pushing, and are utilised by clinicians to assist patients of all ages in improving lower limb strength, balance, and overall physical fitness.

Alex dedicated time to working alongside physiotherapists on the ward, observing patients and gaining insights into their daily routines. This close collaboration proved crucial to the effectiveness of the sculptures. The sculptures have become a popular addition to the hospital grounds, offering patients a practical and engaging way to exercise outdoors. Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner Guy Whitehead lauded the sculptures as being:

 "infinitely more interesting than something ‘off the shelf’"

Creating tranquil outdoor space

The outdoor art strategy at ELCH extends beyond exercise sculptures. The hospital grounds also feature a "Sanctuary Garden" designed by Lindsay Perth. This tranquil outdoor space includes a meandering path leading to a peaceful seating area, sheltered by metal canopies. The garden is adorned with a thoughtful selection of plants chosen for their aesthetic, visual, and aromatic qualities, with birch trees providing privacy and screening. Arabella Harvey, Director at Round Table Projects and Tonic Arts project curator, notes:

“There’s a multitude of studies with evidence that people actually heal and repair more quickly in a creative physical environment.”

Sanctuary by Lindsay Perth 

Kenny Hunter crafted outdoor sculptures of local animals, including pit ponies, greyhounds, and rabbits. These sculptures contribute to the hospital's mission of reflecting the local context of East Lothian, encompassing its distinctive landscape and stories.

Impact of the outdoor art

The overall impact of the outdoor art at ELCH has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients, staff, and visitors alike have expressed appreciation for the welcoming and stimulating environment both outdoors and inside. The art has fostered a sense of calm and provided a welcome respite from the clinical setting.

Strategy commissioning and delivery

The East Lothian Community Hospital Arts Environmental Strategy was commissioned by Tonic Arts and managed and curated by Arabella Harvey from Round Table Projects, with co-funded support from national body Craft Scotland.

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greenspace scotland are working with NHS Lothian Charity on the development of both their Tonic Arts and Green Health staff networks. To join the networks sign up on the Tonic Arts website or the Green Health website.