Our impact Our impact Artists in the hospitals An uplifting experience - visual artist The visual artist-in-residence across University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) has been in post for 12 months. During that time 500 patients and 400 members of NHS staff have directly benefitted, as well 150 family members and visitors indirectly benefitting. The artist encourages patients to be mentally active during their hospital stay, which can help speed up their recovery, reduce anxieties and alleviate boredom. They also encourage team building within staff teams. The main successes of the role include: Reaching new clinical areas, which has provided a foundation for future projects Supporting repeat visits to the same patients over time, made possible via an ongoing relationship with the UHBW Learning Disabilities Team Broadening of activities and resources available for patients – for example offering more textile, multimedia and modelling activities to give patients greater choice and personalisation of activities Testing activities for resource packs with patients, ensuring that they are appealing and appropriate in practice. “We’ve noticed that art activities tend to soothe patients who have been unsettled, wandering or looking for comfort and attention. Jo is so kind with the patients - they feel special, having activities brought right to them. This takes a bit of pressure off the team as there is so much going one, they don’t always have time to spend with each person in that way." - NHS staff member It takes me to a different place - Musicians Funding has provided two musicians to engage with patients, their family and visitors and NHS staff members across our hospitals. Since 2023, 894 patients and 400 members of NHS staff have directly benefitted, as well 532 family members and visitors indirectly benefitting. Live music in hospital has been evidenced to decrease anxiety, support social and physical activity and combat loneliness and isolation for patients. Research also shows that music in hospitals offers a particularly powerful impact for patients with dementia as musical memory and communication remains and familiar pieces of music can act as a prompt for reminiscing. “Stunning, absolutely gorgeous. Even th ough I’m deaf I can hear every sound.” - Patient Make a donation to support the arts programme in our hospitals and much more. Make a donation Manage Cookie Preferences