PRESS RELEASE
30 August 2010

NHS Dumfries and Galloway will sign a partnership agreement with dgArts (formerly Dumfries & Galloway Arts Association) on 31st August. This agreement formalizes the collaborative work undertaken by both organizations to develop and implement an innovative creative and participative arts programme centred on the new Mental Health Hospital under construction in Dumfries.
dgArts have recognised expertise in public art delivery, project management and community engagement which will enable NHS Dumfries & Galloway to fulfil their aims of user and community engagement with the public art process for the new build, ensuring that the health authority can deliver a new hospital which reflects and supports the patient healing experience in line with the Scottish Governments ‘A Policy on Design Quality for NHSScotland 2010.
There is now a considerable body of published research, demonstrating the benefits of how the healthcare environment and creative engagement can serve as a therapeutic and healing tool, helping to reduce stress, providing opportunities for self expression, conversation and gentle positive distraction.
Through funds raised by dgARts from external sources such as charitable foundations and trusts, Healing Spaces will deliver a programme of activities by creative professionals working with patients and service users in the community across Dumfries & Galloway. This work will inform and be encapsulated into the final works integrated into the hospital and gardens. The Healing Spaces programme will ensure that the new hospital reflects its users and staff, demonstrates regional identity and results in a building that supports and nurtures the healing, visiting and working experience.
Jeff Ace Chief Operating Officer from NHS Dumfries and Galloway said:
“We are delighted to be signing this partnership agreement with dgArts. We believe it will add significantly to the development at Mid Park and will bring many benefits for patients and those who use the facility. Permanent creative works will be an integral part of the building programme following consultation with staff and users who suggested that the building should be a place where service users feel that they can begin their journey to recovery.”

Susan Garnsworthy, Director of dgArts, said:
“dgArts are delighted to be working with NHS Dumfries & Galloway and a wide range of community and voluntary groups to create Healing Spaces in the new NHS Mental Health Unit in Dumfries. There is compelling evidence demonstrating the importance of the visual environment in healthcare as well as the role of arts activity in delivering enhanced patient well-being, improved recovery rates and staff retention which can also lead to cost savings.”
-ENDS-
For more information please contact:
Jean Atkin, Marketing Officer, dgArts
01387 253383 or [email protected]

dgArts notes to editors:

•    Working with creative professionals, dgArts engages with and supports local communities within Dumfries & Galloway to participate in and enjoy a wide range of arts activities and events.

•    dgArts acts as a cultural broker, attracting and developing diverse arts projects and experiences by working with both national and local agencies, private businesses and creative professionals.

NHS notes to editors
    New £27.2 million Mental Health Development at the Midpark, Crichton site, recently visited by Secretary of State for Health and Well Being, Nicola Sturgeon.