‘It has been an honour’ – Walsall artist speaks of honour at having artwork displayed at NHS Trust site

Centred around the theme of hope, Molly Smith’s piece will be displayed in the hospital’s recently opened multi-million-pound state of the art Dorothy Pattison Older Adult Unit in Walsall, which is owned by Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. 

The Older Adult Unit opened to the public earlier this year, with many of the patients cared for there having dementia, and the trust said dementia-friendly elements were integral to the design, supporting people in a sensitive and safe way during their stay. 

A spokeswoman for Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “Patient environments have a significant impact on the wellbeing of service users, and artwork of this kind, funded and commissioned by the Trust’s charity, Black Country Brighter Lives, can provide significant therapeutic benefits to both patients and the public. 

“As well as providing a modern, safe environment, the facility focuses on energy-efficient design, spacious and therapeutic outdoor spaces and dedicated space for staff to take their breaks to rest and recharge.”

Molly Smith said: “Over the summer, I was commissioned to create a very special painting for the Older Adult unit and the theme was ‘hope’. 

“The team provided all the ideas that residents and staff had come up with, to fuel the inspiration for the piece. 

“It has been an honour to create an uplifting and inspiring piece of art, which I hope is enjoyed by everyone who sees it, whether that be services users, staff or visitors.” 

Working with local young people, Molly said she made sure to involve them in the design and creation process, giving the piece a Black Country twist.  

The artwork was unveiled as part of a festive event at the hospital, where staff, patients and the public enjoyed a carol concert from the Salvation Army choir.  

David Stocks, Suicide Prevention Strategic Coordinator at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Getting to collaborate with Molly to create this artwork which will be displayed in our new Older Adults unit has been brilliant and will really help to enhance this therapeutic space for the people who stay with us, as well as their families and the wider community. 

“It was an added boost to be able to do this just in time for Christmas, with carol singing adding a festive touch to the unveiling of the artwork.” 

Ann Detheridge, Divisional Lead Consultant Psychologist at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The benefits of calming environments on the wellbeing of patients has been researched extensively.  

“Through our Trust charity, we have been able to work with our Black Country communities to bring a splash of colour to our new facility at Dorothy Pattison Hospital. We hope that patients, staff and visitors alike will also feel uplifted when they see the artwork in the main entrance of the facility.”