NHS Forth Valley is taking forward and innovative new art strategy as part of a collaboration between Creative Scotland and partner local authorities.
Designed to involve patients, service users and staff it focuses on three main priorities creating artworks for hospital waiting areas and other spaces, commissioning arts projects for major public spaces and developing arts exhibitions and events programme.

Babs McCool, an artist and experienced project manager, has been appointed as Charitable Arts and Wellbeing Coordinator, to take forward the initiative over the next three years. Her post, which is funded by Creative Scotland with support from Forth Valley's three local authorities; Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire, is based in Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert.

As part of a new art strategy, Babs has also set up an artists-in-residence programme at Forth Valley Royal Hospital and the Mental Health Resource Centre at Clackmannanshire Community Health Care Centre. There's lots of evidence that involving patients in art can be very therapeutic as well as improving confidence and self esteem. Not only can it make people feel better but it can also aid overall recovery.

An Arts Steering Group with members drawn from NHS Forth Valley staff, Patients Public  Panel, local authorities, arts organisations, SERCO and Forth Health has been established to advise on the delivery of the new art strategy.

• Anyone who wants to discuss arts-related ideas, can contact Babs on 01324 5/67492 or 07584 205213 or email babs.mccool@nhs.net  
• Also see Art Exhibitions & Events

Our Artists in Residence

There are currently two artists in residence,

Lindsay Perth, a visual artist/photographer in residence at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. Lindsay is working with staff and service users to discuss, learn and share all things photographic, give individuals the opportunity to learn photographic skills and develop a photographer's eye.

• Lindsay Perth Online Blog

Mark Vernon, a digital artist in residence. Mark, who is also based at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, is a professional sound artist and radio producer who is working with staff, patients and Radio Royal volunteers to create interesting new programmes and features for the station with an emphasis on sound and speech.

• Mark Vernon Online Blog