This autumn has been all about transformation, creativity, and connection. From vibrant commissions at Chalmers Centre and exciting upcoming enhancements at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, to inspiring exhibitions and immersive experiences like Trolleydarity, we’ve been working hard to make hospital spaces more welcoming and uplifting for patients, families, and staff.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed ideas, energy, and creativity. Together, we’re helping to shape healthcare spaces and experiences that feel welcoming, vibrant and supportive.
We were delighted to work with local artist, Natasha Russell, to transform the Chalmers Centre foyer into a warm, welcoming space that reflects feedback from staff for people to feel at ease from the moment they arrive. Natasha’s artwork ‘Canopy’ does just that! It infuses colour, nature and movement through a hand-painted frieze that sweeps across the walls above the doors, and vibrant vinyl designs on windows and doors, that connect indoors and outdoors, helping to reduce anxiety and create a calming, inclusive environment for patients and staff.
“I feel strongly that as we move through the current challenging environment in terms of inclusivity and reproductive rights, making Chalmers a place of safety is even more important than when we started.”
Enhancement Project Updates
Royal Hospital for Children and Young People: Crichton Unit and Theatre Suite
As part of our commitment to enhancing patient and staff spaces, we commissioned designer, Lauren Morsley – selected by staff from two shortlisted finalists – to bring fresh ideas to the Crichton Unit and Theatre areas. In September, Lauren hosted her first workshop with staff and patients, sharing vibrant vinyl concepts to brighten these spaces. The project has since grown to include playful theatre hats and privacy curtains. Below are examples from the engagement workshops.
“I hope that the new, vibrant look will provide a welcoming first impression for patients, helping to reduce hospital anxiety. As they engage with the new interactive space, I believe it will offer a comforting and enjoyable experience for both children and their families.”
CAHMS Musselburgh and CAMHS Penicuik
After consultation with staff and management, production has begun on wall and door treatments – each tailored to the specific site but sharing a common design theme. Furniture and waiting room signage are also on order and expected soon. We look forward to sharing an install date with you once available.
Artist’s impressions below. With thanks to Stuart Smith Gordon:
‘Grateful’ Artwork now installed at RIE
We’re delighted to share that ‘Grateful’ is now in place at the Renal Transplant Unit entrance. Created by artist, Rebecca Milling, with words from staff and patients, its glowing panels celebrate the life-changing impact of transplants and the gratitude felt throughout the Unit.
Here are a few of the reflections featured in the artworks:
“My donor has afforded me my yesterday, my today, and my tomorrows. Boundless gratitude for a family I’ll never know -to a mother and father who made the person who saved my life.”
“Whether an organ is from a deceased or living donor, it’s always a precious gift, being part of the process that allows that gift to transform people’s health and lives is very much a privilege.”
“I’m overwhelmed to still be here to be able to tuck my kids in at night, to laugh with my family and friends and make plans for my future.”
Tonic Exhibitions
Our ongoing programme of exhibitions at sites across NHS Lothian bring vibrant and inspiring art directly to hospital spaces and create a more calming and uplifting environment for patients, staff and visitors. Please do visit when you can for a moment of reflection and space to breathe:
Featured Exhibition: My Journey – Art workshops for young renal patients lead to inspiring exhibition
We were delighted to support a series of creative workshops for young renal patients at the Royal Infirmary, led by Renal Patient Support Worker Sharlene Taylor and supported by our Tonic Arts team.
These workshops gave young adults living with kidney conditions the chance to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with peers through art. Over eight weeks at Edinburgh Printmakers, eight participants worked alongside local artist, Fiona, learning new techniques and creating their own pieces.
The result is My Journey – a moving and inspiring exhibition now on display at RIE’s OPD4. The collection of artworks celebrates resilience, creativity, and the power of choice in healthcare.
Tonic Participation and Live Arts
Trolleydarity
We were so excited to launch ‘Trolleydarity’ at the Western General at the end of October in partnership with National Theatre of Scotland.
Trolledarity’s Scratch n Sniff Staycation for the Discerning Static Traveller is a unique sensory experience for patients, visitors, and staff. This immersive “micro-adventure” offers ‘travellers’ an opportunity to explore the world in a way that feels both real and magical, through the power of sound and scent.
Participants are transported on a journey without having to catch a plane or leave their beds – all that is required to explore the world is a pair of headphones and a complimentary postcard! The project will run at the Western General until Mid-January, with a week at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, before moving on to St John’s and East Lothian Community Hospital.
Tonic Collection – Site Enhancements
New Artwork Purchased and Installed for St John’s Staff Wellbeing Space
Recent Edinburgh College of Art’s 2024 and 2025 Tonic Art Graduate Prize Winners Sean Obrzud and Kitty Yarrow, have had their newly commissioned and purchased works installed in St John’s Hospital’s Staff Wellbeing Rooms.
These artworks are part of a larger scheme to provide staff with calming spaces of rest and respite during their break times.
We look forward to revealing the spaces once their finishing touches are complete!
Left to Right: Sean Obrzud, Something Along Those Lines, 2025, acrylic paint and oil bars, Kitty Yarrow, Pteridomania, 2025, pencil on board
Recently installed collection artwork is already making a difference to staff counselling and waiting rooms at the Astley Ainslie with one staff member sharing: “Just a word of thanks and appreciation for the artwork, which makes such a difference to the waiting room area and 2 therapy rooms. I’m really delighted with the artwork and staff have commented on the difference it makes.”
Royal Edinburgh Hospital: Adult Mental Health, Royal Edinburgh Building
We have recently installed ceramic artwork, ‘Birds in a Bush’, developed and made by Acute Ward patients in workshops with Artlink artist, Nick Evans. Located in a busy corridor of the Royal Edinburgh Building, this vibrant piece brings colour and creativity to the hospital. Patients and staff are proud of their work, and feedback has been fantastic: “This is wonderful, well done everyone involved” (staff member).
