At the end of October the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh opened a moving and inspiring art exhibition created by young adults living with kidney conditions, marking a milestone moment for NHS Lothian’s pioneering Renal Young Adult Service.
The exhibition, held in OPD4, showcased a vibrant collection of artwork produced by patients aged 16–35 who are supported by the service.
Euan Flannigan (pictured to the right) is a patient of the service and has taken part in the exhibition by creating a piece of work that represents his personal healthcare journey. He explains:
“I decided to take part in this art project because it was not only a cool idea, it was also a great way to show my experience as a transplant patient.
“Being a transplant patient is unpredictable – one day you’re fine, the next you’re not. It’s also surreal in other ways; you might be in a busy street and think, ‘I’m probably the only person here who’s had a transplant.’ That feeling can be strange, but also uplifting and motivational. You’ve survived something extraordinary, and that makes you strong. Embrace that feeling and keep living a great life. We’re all special, and ambassadors for transplantation – so share your story and keep moving forward like the wind.”
The exhibition gave participants a creative outlet to explore and express their emotions, experiences, and identities through various artistic mediums.
Sharlene Taylor, Renal Young Adult Support Worker and lead for the service (pictured at the top), reflected on the exhibition’s impact:
“The thought behind the exhibition was, when you make choices in art—such as picking a colour, the composition and layout, it empowers you to make decisions and create your vision. This gives individuals a sense of confidence in their ability to express and choose.
“This not only applies to their art but allows them to express in other areas of their lives, particularly around their healthcare. Bringing people together who can relate to each other’s journeys and hearing them chat and learn from one another has been the most powerful thing to watch and listen to.”
The Renal Young Adult Service, launched in May 2023, is the first of its kind in Scotland. While other health boards are exploring similar models, NHS Lothian remains the only provider currently offering dedicated support for young adults with kidney conditions. Thanks to the support of NHS Lothian Charity, the service was set up and designed to address the unique challenges faced by this age group, many of whom had never met peers with similar experiences prior to joining.
Monthly peer support groups at the Royal Infirmary have become a cornerstone of the service, offering a safe space for connection, discussion, and shared learning. The emergence of art as a common interest among participants led to the development of the exhibition project, which has proven to be both therapeutic and empowering.
“Art helps process emotions, reduces anxiety and stress, builds confidence and encourages mindfulness,” added Sharlene. “It’s been incredible to see how creativity has opened up new ways for these young adults to engage with their health and with each other.”
The exhibition not only celebrates the artistic achievements of the participants but also highlights the importance of holistic, person-centred care in long-term health management.
All the artwork was developed while attending a series of workshops led by a local artist at the Edinburgh Printmakers and curated by NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts for their exhibition space.
Len McCaffer, Tonic Arts Manager at NHS Lothian Charity: “The ‘My Journey’ exhibition showcases the strength, resilience and talent of these incredible young people. These artworks tell stories that go beyond treatment – they show the strength and creativity of these individuals who are navigating complex health journeys. We’re proud to support initiatives like these that not only enhance patient care but also give people a voice and a platform to share their experiences in a way that inspires others.”
NHS Lothian’s Renal Young Adult Service and exhibition has been funded by NHS Lothian Charity. To read more about the charity go to: https://nhslothiancharity.org/
