Art Exhibition Shines Light on Scotland’s First Renal Young Adult Service

This week, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh opened a moving and inspiring art exhibition created by young adults living with kidney conditions, marking a milestone moment for NHS Lothian’s pioneering Renal Young Adult Service.

The exhibition, installed in our Tonic Gallery outside OPD4, showcases a vibrant collection of artwork produced by patients aged 16–35 who are supported by the Service.

Rikki, a patient of the service, has taken part in the exhibition by creating a piece of work that represents the night he got the call about his transplant. He explains:

I’d just gone to bed after connecting to my dialysis machine for the night. When the phone rang, my first thought was annoyance – Who’s calling me at this time?! – until a calming voice on the other end, slow and clear like a late-night smooth jazz presenter, said they might have a kidney for me.

“The world turned upside down. Nothing else mattered anymore. I rushed to pack my bag — I packed as if I were going camping for two weeks: way too much. I messaged my parents, cautiously optimistic. I texted my boss, ‘See you in December.’ I bounced between joy and caution with each turn as the taxi drove through the night, to whatever future was waiting.”

All the artwork was developed while attending a series of workshops led by a local artist at the Edinburgh Printmakers and curated by our Tonic Arts team for our exhibition space. The initiative gave participants a creative outlet to explore and express their emotions, experiences, and identities through various artistic mediums.

Sharlene Taylor, Renal Young Adult Support Worker and lead for the service, reflected on the exhibition’s impact:

The thought behind the idea was, when you make choices in art – such as picking a colour, the composition and layout – it empowers you to make decisions and create your vision. This gives individuals a sense of confidence in their ability to express and choose.

“This not only applies to their art but allows them to express in other areas of their lives, particularly around their healthcare. Bringing people together who can relate to each other’s journeys and hearing them chat and learn from one another has been the most powerful thing to watch and listen to.”

The Renal Young Adult Service, launched in May 2023, is the first of its kind in Scotland. While other health boards are now exploring similar models, NHS Lothian remains the only provider currently offering dedicated support for young adults with kidney conditions. The service was designed to address the unique challenges faced by this age group, many of whom had never met peers with similar experiences prior to joining.

Monthly peer support groups at the Royal Infirmary have become a cornerstone of the service, offering a safe space for connection, discussion, and shared learning. The emergence of art as a common interest among participants led to the development of the exhibition project, which has proven to be both therapeutic and empowering.

Art helps process emotions, reduces anxiety and stress, builds confidence and encourages mindfulness,” added Sharlene. “It’s been incredible to see how creativity has opened up new ways for these young adults to engage with their health and with each other.”

The exhibition not only celebrates the artistic achievements of the participants but also highlights the importance of holistic, person-centred care in long-term health management. NHS Lothian’s Renal Young Adult Service continues to set a benchmark for innovation and compassion in healthcare.