rb&hArts runs an innovative art programme across both hospitals

rb&hArts brings the benefits of the arts to support in and outpatients at Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals and the local communities surrounding each hospital.

Delivered through our Charity, rb&hArts raise additional funds to deliver a long-term programme aiming to increase levels of wellbeing, enhance the patient experience and improve the healthcare environment through the arts.

In the past year, 300 creative workshops were run, engaging 6,500 participants. 

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rb&hArt's spring 2023 programme

The weekly arts activity schedule across Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, includes reflexology, hairdressing, Singing for Breathing, sessions from Adrian Garratt and activity trolley rounds. 

See rb&hArt's schedule for Spring 2023

Special events and workshops

Crafternoons:

Valentine’s card making

Harefield Hospital – 9^th February - Anzac reception 12-2, Rowan ward day room 2:30-3:30

Royal Brompton Hospital – 14^th February – Main reception 12-2, wards 2-4

Lino Printing

Harefield Hospital – 9^th March - Anzac reception 12-2, Rowan ward day room 2:30-3:30

Royal Brompton Hospital – 14^th March – Main reception 12-2, wards 2-4

Spring embroidery

Harefield Hospital – 6^th April - Anzac reception 12-2, Rowan ward day room 2:30-3:30

Royal Brompton Hospital – 11^th April – Main reception 12-2, wards 2-4

Activity Sessions on Rowan ward 

6^th and 20^th February

13^th and 27^th March

These will take place from 2-4pm in the Rowan Conservatory and are intended for transplant patients, people interested can simply head down to the conservatory at 2pm. They’re going to be led by a volunteer and will involve whatever the patients want to do – games, bingo, art, or even just a space for a get together and chat!

Live Music Now at Royal Brompton Hospital, 2-5pm:

28^th Feb - Ainsley & Mary (vocals & harp)

14^th March - Ela Rey Duo (vocals & guitar)

28^th March - Ela Rey Duo (vocals & guitar)

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The core creative programme includes:

Commissions 

rb&hArts manages temporary exhibitions in a number of public spaces across the hospitals - the coffee shop and 3rd Floor in Sydney Wing, and Hungry Hare and ReBeat gallery in Harefield.

Vocal Beats

Two days a week on the paediatric ward, led by singer/songwriters Heather McClelland and Hattie Whitehead, along with UK Champion beatboxer ABH Beatbox. The project aims to enhance levels of wellbeing, music skills and confidence. 

Singing for Breathing

Weekly workshops to learn breathing techniques, release physical tension, meet new people and have fun, supporting people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), an incurable respiratory condition which makes breathing difficult. 

Live music on wards

Live music and singing on the wards with resident comedy-violinist, Adrian Garratt at Harefield and online, and Live Music Now sessions at Royal Brompton.

Crafternoons

Working with artists and craftisans to run monthly ‘crafternoons’ and participatory workshops, bringing together volunteers, outpatients and inpatients to learn new creative skills.

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How can you support the arts in our hospitals?

They are many ways in which you can support the arts programme.

• You can donate to the Arts Programme here
• Volunteer to bring the healing power of the arts to more people in hospital and outpatients.
• Follow rb&hArts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to find out more and join activities @rbharts
• Join the rb&hArts mailing list here

Or visit rbht.nhs.uk/arts