Saolta Arts

Dialysis Arts Programme at Merlin Park University Hospital provides patients with individual participatory arts workshops during the long hours of haemodialysis treatment. Those participating find a more productive use of their time, engaged in a way that distracts from worries and “makes time fly”. Established in 2012 with an Arts Council Project Award, the initial year-long project phase encompassed a wealth of person-centred art workshops and collaborations, a publication, and the exhibition. The patient waiting area was also transformed, guided by three rounds of patient consultation. This included a window blind and wallpaper designed by a patient as she was dialysed.
Since 2014 the programme has been continuously supported by a partnership between Saolta Arts, Galway University Hospitals, and the Irish Kidney Association. Though its focus is always on the creative process, special events have allowed outcomes to be celebrated with friends and family. Considered a vital aspect of patient care, the Dialysis Arts Programme thrives on the continuing enthusiasm and support of the amazing renal team in Unit 7. Staff Nurse Jacinta.

Saolta Arts run the west of Ireland’s leading Arts and Health programme as a means of improving the hospital experience for patients, staff and visitors. They believe that access to the arts promotes well-being and enhances the hospital environment. Menu of Poems is a project that serves a helping of poetry on the hospital meal tray in celebration of All Ireland Poetry Day. It is a collection of carefully selected poems, is intended for distribution throughout hospitals and health care settings. The project is supported by Poetry Ireland since its conception in 2009. Menu of Poems is a project of Arts and Health Co-ordinators Ireland, managed and produced by Saolta Arts.