Arts for Health at Alder Hey
The Trust runs a varied and dynamic arts for health programme which has been at the forefront of pioneering innovative approaches to using the arts in paediatric healthcare. The programme is centred upon the patient and how his or her stay can be made less stressful, more enjoyable and where possible provide both a creative learning and a therapeutic experience which will contribute to the patient’s sense of well being. Patient participation is central to our values, and we always try to involve the patient in the process of making art. We use the broadest range of arts possible, from dance to digital art, poetry to performance and from music to storytelling.
Our flagship programme is our Cultural Champions programme, where we work in partnership with some of the leading arts organisations within Merseyside, such as Tate Liverpool, Foundation for Arts and Creative Technology (FACT), The Comedy Trust and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. We also support staff in using the arts to assist in healthcare delivery through professional development training and mentoring programmes. The Arts for Health team are part of the Patient Experience and Engagement department, managed by the Assistant Director for Quality, Patient Experience, Equality and Engagement
Information for Patients, Families and Carers
We employ a part time Music Therapist, Melanie Thomas, who works with patients and families across many areas of the Trust, often those in long term care.
You can contact Melanie on 0151 293 3661 or e-mail: melaine.thomas@alderhey.nhs.uk
In addition, the programme is actively supported by Alder Hey Arts (AHA), which was formed in 2001. This is an interactive and participatory process for its community of patients, parents, staff and supporters. Chaired by Dr. Jane Ratcliffe, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care, the group has members drawn from all areas of the Trust. AHA meets every two months to discuss and support the range of arts projects taking place across the Trust.
Alder Hey Arts commissioned artist and film maker Hafsah Naib to make a film in the hospital about our arts for health programme. She worked with patients, families, staff and artists over a period of six months to create a short documentary The Art Film.
You can view Hafsah's film by clicking here:
In November 2010, the Arts for Health team were awarded
Contact
Telephone Vicky Charnock, Arts Coordinator on 0151 293 3530 or e-mail:
Vicky.charnock@alderhey.nhs.uk
Or write to us at:
Arts for Health Office
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
L12 2AP
