A SCOTTISH charity has launched its latest pilot project on the wards of Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline. 

Art in Healthcare (AiH) is looking to provide ‘stimulation, relaxation and self-expression’ to longer-term patients in the city with their 'Make it Better' initiative.

The initiative will involve some of the charity’s extensive collection of paintings which will feature in a programme of creative activities aimed at helping patients overcome some of the worry, loneliness and boredom they may experience during an extended stay in hospital.

Vanessa Paynton, executive director at AiH, said: “We’re delighted to be piloting this innovative art project at Queen Margaret Hospital. Make it Better is an important project aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of hospital patients and, following a successful pilot, one that we hope to roll out to other regions of Scotland.”

The charity is teaming up with Scottish artist, Fiona Hermse, to deliver this project. 

Fiona is engaging directly with select patients within adult wards at Queen Margaret Hospital, where she is delivering a programme of creative activities and art classes.

She said: “This pilot programme includes a range of stimulating and interactive art-focused activities that are aimed at developing patients’ knowledge of art and their artistic skills while also promoting better health and wellbeing.

“Through my own experience of working within healthcare settings, I have seen how creative learning projects like these really benefit patients’ well-being and enhance their connection to the outside world. They inspire patients and give them a sense of pride and purpose.

"This project also benefits friends and family of patients, as well as medical staff, by providing a learning opportunity and break from their usual hospital routine. 

“Over the duration of this pilot, we hope to see patients feeling more relaxed with a more positive view of their hospital experience. We also hope to build connections with each patient using art as a means to deliver personal benefit."

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Working in both small groups and on a one-to-one basis, the project is guided by patients’ own creative interests where images from AiH’s collection are used as inspiration to shape relevant and engaging activities.

Kirsteen Penman, an Occupational Therapist at Queen Margaret Hospital, said: “This project is a vital resource for inpatients of various ages with differing medical conditions that will deliver therapeutic benefits.

"For many individuals, art is an important form of relaxation and expression which provides a diversion from their current situation. 

“From its initial stages, this project provides a vital outlet for patients who are missing stimulation and social engagement due to being confined within the hospital environment.

" My colleagues and patients are all looking forward to working with AiH as this project unfolds and develops.”

The Queen Margaret pilot will run from now until Christmas.

Following a successful pilot in Fife, the charity plans to roll out this initiative to benefit patients in other hospitals across Scotland.