Art at cancer centre 'a ray of sunshine'

A collection of artworks chosen by patients and staff have been installed in Guy’s Cancer Centre at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup.

Funded by a donation from Macmillan Cancer Support, 45 artworks now adorn waiting areas, corridors, bed bays, treatment and consulting rooms.

The selection of works was sourced through Eames Fine Art and features the work of artists Karen Keogh, Mychael Barratt, Chloe Bocquet, Sophie Layton, Harvey Daniels, Ardyn Halter and Gail Brodholt.

The move followed feedback from patients about the centre which opened in 2017. Patricia Hooton, who is part of the Patient Reference Group, helped select the artwork and attended the installation. She said: “The building is nice and new but it is quite austere. This has brightened up the place immeasurably, like a ray of sunshine.

“If anybody has to face having cancer then I want them to feel they can have the kindest, most professional and best experience possible during an awful time in their life. The artwork is something people really wanted and is important for well-being.

“I felt very privileged to visit the gallery to go over the different choices. We tried to choose something for everyone.”

The centre is run by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust on the Queen Mary’s Hospital (QMH) site so that patients can receive treatment closer to where they live instead of travelling into central London.

More than 22,000 patient appointments took place in its first year of operation – saving approximately 550,000 miles of travelling. This includes 11,500 radiotherapy treatments and 10,600 chemotherapy appointments.

More than 2,200 people had also visited the Dimbleby Macmillan Support Centre for cancer patients and their families, whilst 93.3% of patients were likely to recommend Guy’s Cancer at QMH to a friend or family member.

Mairead Griffin, director of nursing for cancer at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Macmillan for this generous donation which will improve the experience of our patients being treated for cancer.

“Research shows that visual art and good design can contribute to improved well-being for patients, staff and visitors.”

Daniel Callanan, Macmillan partnership quality lead for south east London, said: “Macmillan Cancer Support is here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can – from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

“We know that cancer treatment can throw a lot your way, so Macmillan hopes that our funding of this artwork may just make the experience a little more bearable. And this has all been made possible thanks to the generosity of our amazing supporters, as Macmillan receives no government funding.”

Guy’s Cancer at QMH is part of a £30 million redevelopment of the Sidcup hospital site by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust which owns and manages it. Queen Mary’s Hospital is a hub for services run by providers including Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital and other local trusts.