WEDNESDAY, 8 APRIL, 2026

Photo attached: l-r Development Officer for THAT Karine Neill, Projects Manager for THAT Iona McCann, artists Jo Craig and Suzi Scott, NHS Tayside activity coordinator Lesley Barbour and senior staff nurse Lynne Wheat Simpson.

Exhibition at Stracathro showcases patient artwork

Artwork created by NHS Tayside patients during a creative programme designed to support wellbeing and engagement during hospital care is now on display in the Susan Carnegie Centre at Stracathro Hospital.

The art programme delivered by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) involved two artists working with patients to create designs which are currently on temporary display in the corridor between the Rowan and Willow wards, before moving to permanent locations within the Susan Carnegie Centre.

The exhibition celebrates the creative outcomes of patients and the skills of THAT artists Suzie Scott and Jo Craig, demonstrating the positive impact the arts can have for people going through a health-related journey.

The initiative was developed in partnership with NHS Tayside and Angus Health and Social Care Partnership and was funded by NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation and THAT. 

The eight-week art programme received invaluable support from staff at Stracathro and feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients enjoyed the creative process, engaging with techniques that could be adapted to suit their individual interests. They enjoyed working with a range of different art materials and found the programme both challenging and worthwhile.

ECT Lead Charge Nurse Psychiatry of Old Age, Lesley Alexander said, “This has been an amazing experience to be part of from day one to see the patients sit together and they have produced the most wonderful creative artwork. Both artists have been exceptional in providing real connections and helping everyone to enjoy the creative process.”

Artist Suzie Scott added, “It has been an amazing opportunity to work with such a great staff team who have supported us and the patients. Everyone has been so engaged that some didn’t want to leave the sessions.”

Commenting on the programme, THAT Project Manager/Development Officer Karine Neill said, “We were delighted to support the staff and the artists in this pilot programme. We have seen the patients’ true capabilities and witnessed them immerse themselves in the art techniques provided. We’re proud to have been part of this transformative programme and hope to develop it further in the future.” 

THAT promotes art commissions that demonstrate the therapeutic value of arts within healthcare environments and aims to provide a range of creative opportunities that enhance quality of life, promote social inclusion and empower an individual to make an important contribution to their health and wellbeing. THAT has a Tayside-wide remit.  

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138