Staff at NHS Lothian’s Western General Intensive Care Unit (ICU) recently supported one of their patients on an unforgettably special day out to visit the unique ‘Van Gogh Alive’ exhibition in Edinburgh.
Claire Vaughan, who’s been in ICU following a tracheostomy since March, noticed the Van Gogh exhibition on Facebook.
The exhibition, which was in Edinburgh’s festival square for a limited time only, allowed art lovers to immerse themselves in Van Gogh’s super-scale masterpieces and absorb them from every angle, adding in sound and fragrance.
Claire, who is a keen artist herself, said: “As soon as I saw the exhibition advertised on Facebook, I knew I wanted to see it.”
It was another opportunity for Claire to say ‘bonjour’ to her favourite Van Gogh painting, ‘Starry Night!’ which she saw in France with her Mum and Dad when she was younger.
She added, “I absolutely loved the exhibition, it was like another form of medication, it was great to get out of my hospital room and it really helped to change my outlook on being in hospital.”
Elizabeth Clark, Senior Charge Nurse, who was one of three staff who accompanied Claire said: “One of the most important parts of our care is recognising the person and what’s important to them. Claire loves art and loves to paint. As a team we prioritise what matters to our patients and their families and strive to deliver person centred care. We feel very fortunate that we are able to facilitate these types of excursions.”
Before embarking on their trip, staff had to make sure there was enough resources to care for the other patients in the ICU ward. Claire was then able to travel in comfort to and from the exhibition in an accessible taxi, whilst Elizabeth and her colleagues were able to wheel her around the artwork and displays.
Within ICU, staff have a wall where they put all their patients’ goals along with what they would like to achieve during their stay in hospital. This can include simple day to day things we all take for granted, like getting a shower or having their hair washed. Next on the list for Claire is making up a Neighbours quiz and seeing the new Thor movie.
During her stay in hospital, Claire alongside another patient, has also enjoyed a TRNSMT party, swapping the calmness of quiet hour for the delight of a disco hour. The party included glow sticks, non-alcoholic Pimms and dancing.
Elizabeth said: “Having fun and being in intensive care don’t always go together, so it is brilliant to see a patient enjoying themselves, with a smile on their face. It gives patients like Claire hope that they will get back to all the things they love to do as soon as possible!”
Gillian McAuley, Nurse Director Acute services said: “Across NHS Lothian, patients are at the heart of everything we do. Knowing what matters and is important to them is a critical part of the care we provide. From simple things like how they like to have their tea, to their hopes and aspirations. While our services and our staff continue to be under significant pressure, the commitment and drive to support patients and to ensure they have a positive experience is as strong as ever. I am delighted that Claire had a such a memorable day out and would like to thank all the team for making it possible.”
