News from our Tonic Arts Programme

Ian Mackenzie, NHS Lothian Charity, Green Health Programme Manager, shares his reflections and takeaways from the recent Tonic Arts and Green Health Network Event.

The latest project has created bright, stimulating Speech and Language Therapy rooms to support children and young people on their communication journey.

The collaboration aimed to integrate the healing power of music and performance into the healthcare environment. The concerts featured a blend of original stories and well-loved songs, creating a joyful, festive atmosphere.

The award recognises arts projects that have a measurable positive impact on the patient and staff experience within a health or care environment.

Our Common Humanity is is one of over 60 major pieces of art and design commissioned by the Charity for healthcare settings, across Edinburgh and Lothians, since the programme was first established in 2015.

NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts proudly presents the opening of its child-centred exhibition featuring Sir Quentin Blake’s captivating artwork from the book “The Five of Us”.

World-renowned London Symphony Orchestra has performed a series of ground-breaking concerts at four hospitals across NHS Lothian as part of the Edinburgh International Festival. The uplifting events, organised in collaboration with NHS Lothian Charity, saw patients and staff enjoy some respite and distraction through an afternoon of music.

Staff, patients and visitors at the Western General Hospital welcomed conceptual artist, Bill Drummond, on Tuesday 13 June to officially commence the loan of his ‘The Boy Friends’ Painting’ for the next year.

The project is centred on improving the physical and mental wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors through the incorporation of art and craft.

This year’s awards continued to honour the innovation, architecture, people, products and services that are helping to transform patient care in both the NHS and private sector.