WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER, 2022

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PHOTOGRAPH ATTACHED – SENIOR CHARGE NURSE LEAH HICKS, ARTIST GAIL ROBERTSON AND STAFF NURSE AILEEN BALBIRNIE

New artwork at Perth Royal Infirmary aims to support patients with dementia

New wall art has been unveiled at the General Outpatients Department in Perth Royal Infirmary. The artwork aims to make the waiting area a more dementia-friendly environment by introducing a focal point which can provide a topic for conversation to help people feel calm in an unfamiliar setting.

The painting, created by local artist Gail Robertson, features scenes of Huntingtower Castle, Scone Palace, Perth Museum and Kinnoull Tower.

The wall artwork was developed after staff took part in a Dementia Champions programme delivered by Alzheimer Scotland to help improve the experience of people with dementia in healthcare settings.

Staff Nurse Aileen Balbirnie, who took part in the programme on behalf of the outpatients team, said, “Memory problems, difficulties with communication, confusion and disorientation in unfamiliar environments can lead to stress and distress for people with dementia. 

“The new mural provides a topic for conversation and the local landmarks may also encourage people to reminiscence, both of which can help to reduce stress and distress for people with dementia, their families, and carers.”

To make the waiting area a more dementia-friendly environment, signage within the department has also been improved, alongside the installation of specialist clocks which help people recognise the time, day and date.

Artist Gail Robertson said she was delighted to be part of the project, “Both my children had quite serious and ongoing medical problems when they were younger, so as a family we spent many hours and days staring at the walls of various departments, wards and waiting rooms. I agreed to paint the Perthshire mural because it will hopefully provide patients and their families with a talking point which brightens up their time in the waiting room.”

General Outpatients Department Senior Charge Nurse, Leah Hicks added, “Hundreds of people visit the General Outpatient Department each week and this mural has helped improve the waiting area environment for people with dementia and other similar medical conditions. We are very grateful to Gail for taking the time to support this project and create this wonderful painting.”

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138