Art Procurement

An essential element in bringing forward a hospital for the 21^st century would be sourcing art that can make patients feel better. Studies from around the globe have shown that art has the potential to be both an aesthetic enhancement to any scheme and can have a direct impact on length of stays and recovery rates.

The Department of Health and Social Services adopted the principle of a one % for art scheme as by for all new buildings. (This funding was agreed for art at the Ulster Hospital new build programme, above and beyond the money set aside for construction costs, based on the actual costs of construction.) Not a penny of the money ring-fenced for the art in the enhanced patient environment has come from medical budgets.

In planning for the new buildings at the Ulster Hospital the Executive took the view that creating an enhanced patient environment would be crucial to their improving health. A vital part of that environmental improvement would be including inspiring art. To this end consideration has been given to including appropriate art throughout the new building programme.

Patients, staff and visitors alike can look forward to new buildings that are beautifully enhanced by art in a wide variety of media, on the walls, in the grounds and integrated into the very fabric of the buildings.

Images shown here are glass panels in the new Renal Unit