A new artwork has been installed at Headington's Churchill Hospital, in the Blenheim Head and Neck waiting area, thanks to Oxford Hospitals Charity, creating a colourful and uplifting welcome for cancer patients. 

The large waiting area, has now been transformed with a vibrant nature-based mural and the artwork was officially opened this summer in a small event attended by staff from the unit and the Churchill.

Douglas Graham, CEO of Oxford Hospitals Charity, attended the unveiling of the artwork.

He said: "We are thrilled to have funded this beautiful mural. Projects like this breathe new life into our hospital spaces.

"For patients who return to this department over many weeks, encountering something positive and uplifting during their visits is incredibly important. It’s a relatively small but significant way to support their journey and enhance their experience.”

(Image: Contributed)

The project was established through a shared decision-making council, led by clinical practice educator Emmanuel Kesse, along with a group of staff committed to improving the hospital environment for both patients and staff.

To ensure the artwork resonated with the audience, they conducted a survey to gather input on what people wanted to see in the waiting area.

Ruth Charity, the Trust's arts lead, funded by Oxford Hospitals Charity said: “We used this patient feedback to develop an artist's brief for the project. We researched a shortlist of artists, and worked with staff to select and commission local artist Lisa Curtis to bring their vision to life.

“Artwork can make a such a difference to patient experience - an attractive, carefully designed and soothing environment can do much to increase confidence in care and help to alleviate stress and anxiety.”

Bernadette Mitchell, matron of specialist surgery outpatients services, said: “Lisa provided us with a range of designs that she envisioned working in the space. It was crucial for us to have both patients and staff involved in the decision-making process."

"Once we chose the final design, Lisa began painting the mural directly onto the walls. Her work generated a wonderful buzz as patients could watch the mural come to life during their visits. Staff frequently stopped by to check on the progress, giving a sense of investment and excitement in the project."

She added: "Lisa also generously painted an additional wall, which brought even more vibrancy to the room, and she advised us on the background colour behind the reception desk to complement the artwork.

"This new artwork has provided a real boost for everyone, we are a small but very busy department with a high volume of patients, so making the waiting area brighter and more welcoming is incredibly valuable.”

The artist Lisa Curtis said: “I was at the hospital for three or four days painting the mural and it was such a pleasure. The staff and patients asked for something calming and joyful to look at, and I hope this combination of plants, flowers and dragonflies does the job.

"The new colours have really had such a positive impact on the space already and I hope they will do for many years to come."