February 6th, 2023

Vital Arts, the arts organisation for Barts Health NHS Trust, was approached by the Chemotherapy Unit (7A) at Barts Hospital, to transform one of their treatment rooms where patients undergo procedures on their spines.

These treatments include bone marrow biopsies and intrathecal (spinal) chemotherapy – two procedures which generate significant anxiety and pain for patients. The treatment room itself was a small, windowless, blank space where patients lie or sit for extended periods of time.

Vital Arts commissioned an artist/illustrator to create a site-specific artwork to enliven the space and provide a desperately needed distraction for patients during their visit. They envisioned that the work would feature calming natural imagery to provide a contemplative space for patients but also promote healing and recovery. By reducing the stark, clinical nature of treatment rooms, studies have shown that patients who are exposed to natural imagery reported significantly higher levels of perceived control over pain.

Barts Guild was approached to fund the project and was very pleased to do so. From the award of the grant in early August 2021 to installation of the artwork in January 2023, life was still subject to some pandemic restrictions which held up the project to some extent, but the result was stunning.

Staff on the ward were thrilled with the work and noted that it would make a huge difference to the patients and provide much-needed calm. The illustrator Sabine Beitzke (pictured above with her finished work) said that the commission was a wonderful project to work on, and said, “Nature holds a place for all of us; it is our true home where everyone is welcome to rest and recharge. I hope I can invite you for an imaginary walk, and to take you to a place that provides joyful memories of the simple pleasures that can be found in nature.”

It was her first ever commission ever and Sabine was so thrilled with the outcome that she intended to put it forward for a World Illustration Award. After 7A at Barts she was moving on to artwork for the Royal London’s dermatology station, so another location in the Trust stands to benefit from her talent, concepts and imagination, all combining in beautiful and delicate illustrations.