The arts in our hospitals | rb&hArts

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. 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. The core creative programme includes: (1) Commissions - rb&hArts manages temporary exhibitions in a number of public spaces across the hospitals; (2) Vocal Beats - two days a week on the pediatric ward, lead music facilitators accompanied by beatboxers take young inpatients on a musical journey; (3) 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; (4) Musicians in residence - live music, singing and creative music-making opportunities provided on the adult wards each week; (5) Crafternoons - working with artists and craftisans to run monthly ‘crafternoons’ and participatory workshops, bringing together volunteers, outpatients and inpatients to learn new creative skills.