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…
Trolleydarityβs Scratch n Sniff Staycation for the Discerning Static Traveller is an innovative new project by artists Shona Reppe and […]
Art Exhibition Shines Light on Scotlandβs 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 Lothianβs 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,Β 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
Network Event: Creatively Minded
Our next online Tonic Arts network meeting is to let you know about our Creatively Minded project.
Looking Through a New Lens
NHS Lothian Charityβs Green Health and Tonic Arts programmes are proud to present a photographic exhibition of original images created by […]
Out of the BluePrint: A 10 year retrospective
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 […]
Spotlight on: Havens
NHS Lothian Charityβs programmes, Tonic Arts and Green Health, in partnership with Stills Gallery, are proud to present βHavensβ β a series of portraits and stories documenting NHS Lothian staff membersβ work-life experiences.Β
Our Work
Tonic Commissions
Tonic Collection
Tonic Exhibitions
Tonic Participation
Weβre proud to have supported the creation of a new dedicated Practice Embedded Research Unit (PERU) at Penicuik Medical Practice; one of the first of its kind in Scotland.
Supported by the guidance of NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Primary Care Network, the practice has transformed one of its consultation rooms into a purposeβbuilt research space. This will help bring research closer to communities, making it easier and more accessible for patients to take part in clinical trials that could shape the future of healthcare.
Chief Nurse for Research & Development, Juliet MacArthur, officially opened the facility on Tuesday 3 March, marking a major step forward for research in primary care.
Weβre delighted to support this pioneering work and proud to see innovation and communityβdriven research happening right here in Lothian. A huge congratulations to the team at Penicuik Medical Practice for leading the way!
Together, weβre helping bring research into the heart of communities. π¬
Read more on our website!
#PrimaryCare #ClinicalResearch #CommunityCare #PERU
We`ve kicked off the Chilli Challenge with Lou, our Nature Ranger distributing sowing packs and growing `know-how` to over 100 individuals and 8 participating teams from the Bioquarter. Welcome everyone! Chilli Porters F.C (pictured here) have joined in the fun and been essential in receiving seed and other essential supplies to get everyone sowing!
Stay tuned for updates! #GreenHealth
Celebrating World Kidney Day with Innovation That Transforms Care
Thanks to our supporters, patients with renal cancer are experiencing a whole new level of clarity and confidence during one of the most challenging moments of their lives.
At the Western General Hospital, specialists have been using digital interactive technologies and 3Dβprinted kidney models to help patients better understand their diagnosis and treatment options. These personalised 3D models turn complex scans into something patients can see and hold, making conversations clearer and improving shared decisionβmaking between patients, families, and clinicians.
This innovative approach is already enhancing patient experience, supporting more informed choices, and helping deliver truly personalised care, exactly what World Kidney Day is all about.
π You can help make more breakthroughs like this possible.
By donating to NHS Lothian Charity, youβre supporting lifeβchanging projects that bring comfort, clarity, and hope to people facing kidney disease and other serious conditions.
π Donate today and empower more innovation in care: nhslothiancharity.org/donate
#WorldKidneyDay
Wanting to experience the thrill of Edinburgh Marathon Festival without having to take on a full marathon? Why not find a few friends and take part in the Hairy Haggis Relay! π
We would love to have you on our team!
Get in touch today or visit our website to find out moreπ
π Meet Sammy the Sloth π
A diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming for children and their families. Thanks to our supporters, the Paediatric Diabetes Team at Royal Hospital of Children and Young People can now give young patients a comforting companion, Sammy the Sloth, a soft toy fitted with a Libre glucose monitor just like theirs.
Sammy helps children feel less alone, eases anxiety during hospital visits, and even supports conversations at home and school. Families have shared how much this small companion has helped their children feel safe, confident and understood.
Read more about Sammyβs impact on our website!
March is Free Wills Month, did you know we offer our supporters a free Will writing service?
We have partnered with @MyIntent to offer an accessible and inclusive service where every supporter can make a free Will for a good cause.
Find out more on our website.
We are currently experiencing some issues with our fundraising phone lines.
Please contact us via email: [email protected]
We hope to have them back up and running by tomorrow (Friday 27th) π
Have you got your own place for Edinburgh Marathon Festival? Let us know as we would LOVE to cheer you on! ππ
DM us or fill in the form on our website!