Here at UHNM, art in hospitals is more than decoration - it's a source of comfort, connection, and healing. It transforms clinical spaces into places of humanity, where patients, service users, families, and staff can find moments of calm and hope” - Gemma Thomas, Project Manager - Arts, UHNM Charity
UHNM has a long history of working with artists and arts in all our sites, with and for our patients, visitors and wider UHNM community. Over the years, we’ve worked with a range of partners to deliver arts experiences that support health, wellbeing and recovery of our patients, as well as the moral of the staff and wider community.
We are a busy charity, investing in equipment, comforts, education and research. The arts sits alongside that – not as a nice extra, but as a meaningful part of person-centred care for our people, patients and population. Through the creative work, we help make UHNM a place where patients feel welcome, staff feel supported, and the whole community can benefit from a more human, compassionate spaces.
We’re developing new arts projects that builds on the history and enthusiasm for the arts across the Trust and developing partnerships across Staffordshire and beyond. You make the difference through fundraising for UHNM Charity, and we make it count through the arts and creativity.
Latest News in Arts
Children’s A&E Entrance Mural – Royal Stoke Hospital
Working with children from Merit Pupil Referral Unit in Stoke-on-Trent, UHNM Charity commissioned a large-scale mural to improve the entrance to the Children’s A&E department.
The project was led by local design team Muddy Publishing, who guided the children through a full creative process - from initial ideas to final artwork.
What was achieved:
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Workshops were held with young people to explore themes like nature, family, community and the environment.
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Three concepts were developed: a woodland scene, a townscape, and a savannah landscape.
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The chosen design - a vibrant nature and environment theme - was turned into a full-size vector artwork to fit the wall panels.
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The mural was installed using high-quality print and installation techniques, transforming the space into something calming and engaging for young patients and their families.
We loved working with young people on something that makes a real difference to how this part of the hospital feels.” – Muddy Publishing
Charitable partnership brings the power of dance and music to UHNM
In partnership with UHNM Charity, local artist-led company FRONTLINEdance brought music, movement and connection directly to patients receiving treatment in Royal Stoke’s renal unit and cancer centre.
Funded by Arts Council England as part of FRONTLINEdance’s National Portfolio Organisation programme, the performances were specially adapted for hospital environments — offering gentle, accessible movement and live music for patients undergoing dialysis or cancer therapy.
What was achieved:
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Patients joined in with arm movements, toe taps or simply enjoyed the atmosphere.
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Staff described it as a welcome distraction and morale boost during long treatment sessions.
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The performances created a space for non-medical moments - adding colour, rhythm and lightness to the day.
We want patients and staff to know they are valued... and to give them something joyful, something to talk about that's different to treatment.” – Rachael Lines, FRONTLINEdance
Pop-Up Performance with Appetite – Bringing the Unexpected to UHNM
In partnership with UHNM Charity, Appetite, a local arts programme, brought surprising and uplifting pop-up performances to hospital spaces — helping patients, staff and visitors experience something joyful in the middle of their day.
The project aimed to disrupt the usual rhythms of the hospital with moments of live performance, music and interaction.
What was achieved:
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Live pop-up performances in public areas of Royal Stoke, including singers, dancers and interactive pieces
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A film was created to capture the response and energy of the performances
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Staff reported a noticeable lift in morale and patients were seen smiling, clapping and engaging
XX XXXX XXXXXX XXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXXX XXXXX” – Quote person
The arts bring colour, calm and connection to patients, families and staff across our hospitals.
If you’d like to help fund more creative projects - from murals to music on the wards - you can donate directly to UHNM Charity.
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