Tonic Arts
Enhancing environments and enriching experiences.
Tonic Arts is NHS Lothian Charity’s vibrant, award-winning arts in health programme, creatively enhancing the patient, staff and visitor experience at NHS Lothian.
Working in partnership with staff and patients, we deliver a diverse arts programme of events, workshops, exhibitions and site-specific art commissions that help improve staff and patient health and wellbeing across the NHS Lothian community.
Watch our video to find out more about how we use art and creativity to enhance health and wellbeing
Latest news
NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts Welcomes Trolleydarity…
Trolleydarity’s Scratch n Sniff Staycation for the Discerning Static Traveller is an innovative new project by artists Shona Reppe and […]
Art Exhibition Shines Light on Scotland’s First Rena…
A moving and inspiring art exhibition created by young adults living with kidney conditions, is now open at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh marking a milestone moment for NHS Lothian’s pioneering Renal Young Adult Service.
Hivestock Festival brings music, sunshine and smiles t…
The grounds of Royal Edinburgh Hospital came alive at the end of August with music and celebration as annual outdoor festival, Hivestock, returned once again
Nicola Benedetti brings festival experience to patient…
We were delighted to welcome Nicola Benedetti, Director of the Edinburgh International Festival and world-renowned violinist, to the Royal Infirmary […]
What’s on
Out of the BluePrint
This exhibition is produced collaboratively between Out of the Blueprint and NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts as part of a […]
Sea Trek Parade
This exhibition showcases the costumes, artwork and photos from the recent Sea Trek parade at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, which […]
Trolleydarity
Welcome to Trolledarity’s Scratch n Sniff Staycation for the Discerning Static Traveller in partnership with the National Theatre of Scotland. […]
Festive Festival Sessions
Join us to experience the Edinburgh Festival Chorus singing festive classics for NHS Lothian patients and staff. This is the […]
Spotlight on: Havens
NHS Lothian Charity’s programmes, Tonic Arts and Green Health, in partnership with Stills Gallery, are proud to present ‘Havens’ – a series of portraits and stories documenting NHS Lothian staff members’ work-life experiences.
Our Work
Tonic Commissions
Tonic Collection
Tonic Exhibitions
Tonic Participation
With your support we are increasing access to clinical trials.
Clinical trials save lives. They don’t just shape the treatments of tomorrow, they bring real benefits today. For patients whose standard therapies have stopped working, trials offer early access to new treatments not yet available to the public.
Because of our supporters, more people with blood cancers in Lothian can now access life-saving clinical trials closer to home.
Generous donations made it possible to pilot a dedicated Clinical Fellow post for one year, a role that is already transforming cancer care. Dr Parsons, ‘Jojo’, cares exclusively for haematology patients enrolled on clinical trials at the Western General Hospital.
For Colin, that difference was life-changing. Diagnosed with myeloma in 2014, he had undergone five different treatments. When his cancer returned, he had no standard treatment options left, until he was offered a place on a clinical trial at the Western General.
“At almost every appointment, I was cared for by Jojo,” Colin says. “The consistency was great. It took a bit of the worry out of coming to hospital knowing I would be seen by her. It made the process relaxing, which I didn’t expect.”
Today, Colin is in remission and cancer-free.
Clinical trials open the door to new, potentially life-saving treatment options for patients and contribute to breakthroughs that will help others in the future. Support from people like you makes this possible.
Help continue this work with a donation via our website.
With your support we are increasing access to clinical trials.
Clinical trials save lives. They don’t just shape the treatments of tomorrow, they bring real benefits today. For patients whose standard therapies have stopped working, trials offer early access to new treatments not yet available to the public.
Because of our supporters, more people with blood cancers in Lothian can now access life-saving clinical trials closer to home.
Generous donations made it possible to pilot a dedicated Clinical Fellow post for one year, a role that is already transforming cancer care. Dr Parsons, ‘Jojo’, cares exclusively for haematology patients enrolled on clinical trials at the Western General Hospital.
For Colin, that difference was life-changing. Diagnosed with myeloma in 2014, he had undergone five different treatments. When his cancer returned, he had no standard treatment options left, until he was offered a place on a clinical trial at the Western General.
“At almost every appointment, I was cared for by Jojo,” Colin says. “The consistency was great. It took a bit of the worry out of coming to hospital knowing I would be seen by her. It made the process relaxing, which I didn’t expect.”
Today, Colin is in remission and cancer-free.
Clinical trials open the door to new, potentially life-saving treatment options for patients and contribute to breakthroughs that will help others in the future. Support from people like you makes this possible.
Help continue this work with a donation via our website.
A massive thank you to all our elves who took part in The National ‘Elf Service Day and collectively raising over £6,800! Christmas may have been and gone but the kindness and generosity from those who supported our patients, staff and visitors will be long lasting. A special thanks to all those who took part again and those who joined in the fun for the first time!
Special mention to some of our elves from Unison Lothian Health Branch and Robertson Construction Central East!
A massive thank you to all our elves who took part in The National ‘Elf Service Day and collectively raising over £6,800! Christmas may have been and gone but the kindness and generosity from those who supported our patients, staff and visitors will be long lasting. A special thanks to all those who took part again and those who joined in the fun for the first time!
Special mention to some of our elves from Unison Lothian Health Branch and Robertson Construction Central East!
There is only a FEW places left for the Edinburgh half and full marathon!🏃 Don`t wait any longer, sign up today on our website (link in bio)
There is only a FEW places left for the Edinburgh half and full marathon!🏃 Don`t wait any longer, sign up today on our website (link in bio)
We are delighted to announce that work has commenced at East Lothian Community Hospital in both Ward 1 & Ward 2`s garden!
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress 👀
#GreenHealth
We are delighted to announce that work has commenced at East Lothian Community Hospital in both Ward 1 & Ward 2`s garden!
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress 👀
#GreenHealth
Our 2025 Secret Santa Appeal helped approximately 7000 patients across NHS Lothian!
Along with being able to help make it as festive as we can for the staff as well, as many have chosen to be there and given up their own Christmas to care for the patients.
We want to make it as joyful as possible for everyone.
You can help us continue the magic for staff and patients throughout the year by giving a regular gift on our website! ✨
Our 2025 Secret Santa Appeal helped approximately 7000 patients across NHS Lothian!
Along with being able to help make it as festive as we can for the staff as well, as many have chosen to be there and given up their own Christmas to care for the patients.
We want to make it as joyful as possible for everyone.
You can help us continue the magic for staff and patients throughout the year by giving a regular gift on our website! ✨
Have you been thinking about signing up for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival? Well this is your FINAL CALL for 2026!!!
Sign ups are about to close for both the marathon and half marathon, so get in now or you will have to wait another year!
We would LOVE you to join our team, sign up now via the link in our bio!
Have you been thinking about signing up for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival? Well this is your FINAL CALL for 2026!!!
Sign ups are about to close for both the marathon and half marathon, so get in now or you will have to wait another year!
We would LOVE you to join our team, sign up now via the link in our bio!
We are proud to have supported a new training resource for NHS Lothian maternity services staff which promotes person-centred care for LGBTQ families. The resource captures real-life stories of families from the LGBTQ+ community who describe, in their own words, their experience of maternity care.
We are proud to have supported a new training resource for NHS Lothian maternity services staff which promotes person-centred care for LGBTQ families. The resource captures real-life stories of families from the LGBTQ+ community who describe, in their own words, their experience of maternity care.
🏃Introducing our next London Marathon runner 🏃
Ross Winton running in memory of his mum:
Ross Winton will be running his first-ever full marathon, having secured his own place in the 2026 event.
“Having lost my mum to cancer 20 years ago, I know how tough it is for cancer patients and their families,” Ross shares. “I’m proud to run for to give back to our NHS and in particular their cancer services.
Have your own place? Send us a message and let us cheer for you!
🏃Introducing our next London Marathon runner 🏃
Ross Winton running in memory of his mum:
Ross Winton will be running his first-ever full marathon, having secured his own place in the 2026 event.
“Having lost my mum to cancer 20 years ago, I know how tough it is for cancer patients and their families,” Ross shares. “I’m proud to run for to give back to our NHS and in particular their cancer services.
Have your own place? Send us a message and let us cheer for you!