On 5 December, a new series of colourful 'action' pictures were unveiled in the main corridor of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital's Accident and Emergency department, marking a significant transformation of the patient and staff environment. The vibrant murals celebrate the diverse activities that hospital staff enjoy in their time away from work – from Irish dancing and tai chi to the Merseyside Derby – reflecting the rich and varied lives of the people who provide care every day. The artwork creates an uplifting and welcoming environment for the thousands of patients, visitors and staff who pass through the Emergency Department each week, bringing colour, energy and a sense of Liverpool's community spirit to a busy clinical space.
The artwork came together through collaboration between healthcare teams, professional artists and students, with no additional funding required – demonstrating what can be achieved through partnership and shared vision. Graham Boyd, Founder of Chester-based Absolutely Design, donated his expertise to design the murals free of charge. Emergency Department staff picked up paintbrushes and helped create the artwork themselves at Bridewell Studios, working alongside professional artists.
Dr Sahra Young, Emergency Medicine Consultant and Lead for Health and Wellbeing said: “The hospital corridors are now alive with colour and are a huge dopamine hit for staff and patients alike. The paintings symbolise Liverpool's diverse culture, love for sports as well as the importance of community. The Emergency Department staff were not only involved in choosing the themes but they were also invited by the artist to pick up a paintbrush and take part in its creation at the Bridewell studios. The result is a vibrant, uplifting and mesmerising environment which will bring fond memories to staff and a welcome distraction for the patients. Thank you HARTS.”
An official opening ceremony was held on Thursday, 4th December at Bridewell Studios before the murals were installed. Dr Sahra Young, Emergency Medicine Consultant and Lead for Health and Wellbeing, and Amanda Heaton, Head of People at UHL Group, greeted colleagues and presented certificates of appreciation to the artists. The hospital choir performed, whilst LJMU students documented the creative process for their film studies programme.
Sarah Fegan, 21, an intern at The Royal Liverpool University Hospital’s Hospital & Arts Team, said: “I’m in my third year at John Moores University and my internship has involved coordinating this event with the Emergency Department. It also meant setting up time for university media students to film and record Graham Boyd talking about the artistic and practical process of producing this series of pictures. I am pleased to have been part of this inspiring project, knowing that everyone’s creativity will benefit patients walking into the Emergency Department.”
The initiative was coordinated through the hospital's Hospital Arts team (HARTS), which has been integrating arts into healthcare environments across UHL Group hospitals since 2007.
Paula O’Malley, Healing Arts Manager at University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, said: “We are enormously grateful to Graham Boyd from Absolutely Design for donating his company’s time and talent to supporting the hospital and for everyone who has spent time helping with making the paintings come to life at the Bridewell Studios. I am delighted these pictures will be a lasting reminder of this rewarding joint venture between so many different groups.”
Graham Boyd, CEO and Founder of Absolutely Design, said: “I set out to try and lift the spirits of patients in hospital. Art is life-affirming and can bring joy and comfort. It has been a pleasure to work with so many inspiring people on this project.”
Absolutely Design recently finished a range of murals for Chester’s Bluecoat Charity, capturing its history and the charitable sectors.
Now displayed in the Emergency Department, the murals stand as a testament to successful partnership working. The project brought together healthcare, education and creative sectors, with hospital staff working alongside artists and students to improve patient experience and create lasting benefits for the community.