FRIDAY, 20 MAY, 2016

EMBARGOED UNTIL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: 2.30PM, SATURDAY, 21 MAY, THE STROKE REHABILITATION UNIT, STRACATHRO HOSPITAL, BRECHIN

Celebration of patient’s art at Stracathro stroke rehabilitation unit

Artwork created by stroke inpatients went on display at the stroke rehabilitation unit at Stracathro Hospital today (Saturday).

The work was created as part of the annual ST/ART art programme, an engagement project for stroke participants which is delivered across Tayside. The project is run by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) in association with NHS Tayside.

Artist Jude Gove has been working with the patients at the stroke rehabilitation unit over the past four months, using a variety of arts and crafts techniques, including printmaking, felting and mosaic.

Participants in the programme received one-to-one sessions and also had the opportunity to join in weekend group sessions.

A wide range of the work produced by the group was part of the display, including paintings, monoprints, felted cushions and mosaic panels.

Chris Kelly, the ST/ART project coordinator, said, “It has been great to have another successful programme at Stracathro and to see a new group of participants discover that being creative can contribute to their rehabilitation and be good for their health and wellbeing.

“Our relationship with the unit staff is very strong and we really appreciate their commitment which is important to the ongoing success of the programme.”

Jude explained, “It has been a terrific to come back to work with the team here at Stracathro again and engage the patients in such a positive way. At first most participants think they will not be able to do much but are amazed and delighted to discover that they can. Most find that taking part in the programme is a really positive, empowering experience for them.”

Charge nurse Sandie Japp added, “Once again we have been amazed at the work that patients produce and the impact that working with the artist can have! It’s fantastic to have the work on display and see it all on show together.”

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740134