Projects
Fortuneswell Chemotherapy Refurb + Bethan Venn
We’re delighted to present the refreshed and calm space of Fortuneswell Outpatient Chemotherapy Unit, after a huge refurbishment project. Structurally, there have been massive changes, opening out and creating a lighter, brighter place to be whilst receiving treatment, Arts in Hospital have had the opportunity to further enhance this environment with decorative interior design.
Working with surface pattern designer Bethan Venn, we have been able to build in an additional layer of wellbeing and patient centred care into the fabric building.
Bethan engaged with patients and staff to find out their needs and wants before creating this beautiful design. Bethan then worked from the Landscape Designer’s planting schedule and created a biophilic design, aiming to bring the beauty and calming nature of the garden indoors. The wall is just under 4m tall. The flowers are tall to make it feel like the patients are immersed in nature. The work relates to the seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter bringing the outside in and harnessing the healing power of the natural world.
Longevity, infection control and durability are essential for wall graphics in a medical setting. This vinyl was over-laminated with a Matte finish, so it diffuses the light, but also so it can be cleaned easily. The wrapping of edges on doors and desks means the edges stay clean and can withstand the busyness of high traffic areas. This unit will have a steady stream of patients and visitors throughout the day, we really hope that people who use the space will take some comfort from this work and that it can support their journey to recovery.
This newly designed chemotherapy treatment centre pays homage to The Bird Garden, designed and build for the then new hospital in 1990. It was the second project for the newly founded Arts in Hospital programme.
Little has changed in terms of the aspirations of a green space within the hospital, the original hope was that it would provide a tranquil area of respite and soften the impact of a high-tech clinical environment.
The garden was designed by John Hubbard, an internationally renowned American artist and gardener, who lived locally. The Portland Stone birdbath, that was its centrepiece, and the carved stones of the John Clare poem The Eternity of Nature, are still in place in this much smaller reworked version of the space, carved by another local artist Richard Grassby. The garden went on to win first prize in a National Award for Hospital Arts Projects.
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We aim to enhance the healing environment for patients, visitors and staff here at Dorset County Hospital, through visual art, performance and music. Please help us to continue and expand our programme by donating. Your donations can be used to commission and purchase new artwork to brighten up the hospital or to fund new participatory projects with professional artists and musicians.
