Blog #
102…February 2020
Who knew that visiting a critical health care area would offer an art experience? In the past couple of weeks, I’ve followed my friend Norm as he's received excellent care in various parts of St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
I've been surprised and delighted to see paintings partout. Not only in patient rooms, but hallways, visitors’ lounges and waiting rooms. It often peeks out from behind large diagnostic machines or other items of extreme technology,
reminding us of the humanity that’s the reason for the whole operation. It surrounds and forms a background for the excellent clinical care that's delivered 24/7.
The WHO (World Health Organization, not the band) has been much on our minds lately and, as well as statements on viruses, they say… “The arts have a clear contribution to make for patients, service users and staff alike.” They also refer to health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well being rather than merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
The art on St Mike’s walls was chosen and installed by a committee of the hospital’s Foundation which disbanded after their job was complete. A new committee is now being struck to choose pieces for recently constructed areas.
The pieces
are all the same size and style, comforting rather than challenging: scenes of
couples drifting in a boat, small children playing in a meadow or tranquil
woodlands - Turner rather than Pollock. The counterpoint of art and science is
both soothing and arresting.
Oh, and another thing, I was not only allowed into the critical care area when Norm was there, but welcomed. The wellbeing of patients trumps the risk of germs being brought in and the chance of clumsy people like me tripping over something or sticking my elbow where it shouldn’t be.
Norm has often taken the photos for my blogs, and since he's temporarily hors de combat, his brother Bob has filled in for this posting - thanks Bob.
Oh, and another thing, I was not only allowed into the critical care area when Norm was there, but welcomed. The wellbeing of patients trumps the risk of germs being brought in and the chance of clumsy people like me tripping over something or sticking my elbow where it shouldn’t be.
Norm has often taken the photos for my blogs, and since he's temporarily hors de combat, his brother Bob has filled in for this posting - thanks Bob.
So, as St Valentine’s Day approaches, here's a missive of love to St Mikes… walking the walk of “Patient Centred Care”
which is the mantra of all hospitals these days. Thanks for taking such good care of our friend Norm - he's moving soon to a rehab hospital and I'll be checking out their artwork.
