ARTS IN HEALTH AT FMC WINTER/SPRING 2014

ARTS IN HEALTH AT FMC
Staff Profile
Bindi Blacher, Arts Therapist.
Bindi Blacher works with Arts in Health at FMC
facilitating Arts Therapy sessions across the
hospital. She is an Expressive Arts Therapist,
who has qualified as an Art Therapist, but
also has a background in the performance
arts (music and acting). She loves all things
creative and holds a deep conviction that art is
a powerful tool for healing and wellbeing.
With a passion for working in the area of
mental health, Bindi works regularly with patients in the Acute
Care for the Elderly Unit and the Eating Disorders Units, as well as
responding to ongoing referrals through the Arts in Health Patient
Referral System. Within the hospital environment Bindi works
primarily with the mediums of visual art and music.
One of the wonderful things about working with art is that it can hold
information which is complex, contradictory, illogical…it doesn’t need
to make sense. This process of expression can be really liberating and
empowering for people
Art-making is in itself therapeutic. Arts Therapy sessions at FMC
can vary from a simple diversional activity (singing a song in the
genre preferred by the patient) to a psychotherapeutic process (a
client-centred approach using art as the medium for self-reflection,
expression and the amelioration of symptoms).
Bindi also works with ‘Life Without Barriers’ on their Living Arts
Program, facilitating sessions with clients across the Out-Of-Home
Care, homelessness and disability programs.
The Arts in Health at FMC program, established in 1996, is one of the
largest and longest running hospital-based arts in health programs
in Australia. It offers performing arts, music, visual arts through its
galleries and art collection, art therapy, an art trolley, sound for
relaxation, meditation for staff and a medical student elective course.
The program also has an extensive patient referral service within the
hospital, which is well-used by allied health, medical and nursing staff.
The framework, which aims to raise the profile of arts and health,
was driven largely by former Minister for Health and Ageing John
Hill, with support from the Institute for Creative Health http://
instituteforcreativehealth.org.au/ .
Arts in Health at Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) Coordinator Sally
Francis, who has made a big contribution to the development of
the Framework, said it acknowledged the “tremendous breadth”
of arts and health practice in Australia, from community through to
hospital programs.
Relying heavily on grants and donations, Arts in Health at FMC
urgently needs staff to support their high quality and professional
service by making a small payroll deduction of their choice. Arts in
Health Coordinator Sally Francis said even the smallest donation
would help support the work of Arts in Health at FMC.
“The Framework embraces the diversity of activity in health, mental
health, disability, aged care, community and primary health care
settings,” Sally said.
“For the price of a cup of coffee a fortnight, FMC staff can transform
someone’s experience of being in hospital,” Sally said.
“It legitimises the practice of arts and health and provides
information on the existing evidence base that exists, both in
Australia and overseas.
Research shows that patients who have art around them can stay in
hospital for a shorter period of time, need less pain relief, respond
better to treatment and levels of stress and depression are alleviated
in both patients and staff.
“Arts in Health at FMC has led by example and been the reference
point for good practice in South Australia, now regarded as
delivering a valuable service in the hospital.”
By staff authorising the Pay Office to deduct $3, $5 or $10 a fortnight
from their salary, Arts in Health can continue to plan future events
and projects for all to enjoy and take part in. All donations are tax
deductible and can conclude on written authority. Staff can visit the
FMC intranet to download an Arts in Health at FMC payroll deduction
request form.
“The Framework validates that arts in a healthcare setting is a
valuable way of supporting patients and can promote recovery.
Adelaide Hills artist, Pamela Hansen, engaged patients from Ward
4SMG, Flinders Medical Centre, during 2013 to create individual
artworks, elements of which were interwoven into the finished work
which is now installed on the ward.
Power of poetry enhancing care
To make a general donation, please contact the Arts in Health at FMC
office or visit www.flinders.sa.gov.au/artsinhealth
Poetry is being used to improve the mood of aged care and mental
health patients at Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) as part of the first
collaboration of its kind in South Australia.
Sound for Relaxation
FMC’s Arts in Health program has teamed up with the South
Australian Writers Centre to introduce a series of individual and
group style poetry workshops. The initiative - despite being in its
early stages - has already sparked improvements in some patients’
temperament, according to SA Writers Centre Development Manager
and project lead David Chapple.
Time spent with the artist provided patients with an avenue for
creative expression and a distraction from the medical imperatives of
the hospital environment.
The blank greeting cards are available for $2 each from Arts in Health
at FMC office, level 2, FMC.
David said this was the first time in SA that a formal partnership of
this kind had been implemented at a hospital-based level with the
SA Writers Centre. As part of the program, David works with aged
care patients in the morning, usually in individual sessions, and with
mental health patients in a group setting during the afternoon.
Schedule of activities
The Arts in Health at FMC office is open Monday – Wednesday. If you
would like to make a patient referral or request any of the activities
covered in the Newsletter to visit you or your ward, please use the
contact details below.
Please contact Arts in Health at FMC if you would like any of
these activities to visit you or your ward.
Tuesday
T: 8204 3096 / 0401 677 433
E: [email protected]
Wednesday FMC Art Trolley, Helen Crawford (all day)
Live Music performance (11am – 1pm)
If you are moved by an art exhibition while walking past the
Promenade Gallery, enjoy having lunch on a brightly coloured table
or listening to live music in the courtyard - it’s proudly brought to you
by Arts in Health at FMC.
By Sarah Garvis
A national framework endorsing arts in health as an important and
meaningful service in the Australian health care system has been
backed by the Standing Council on Health.
Greeting Cards for Sale
Art Therapy, Bindi Blacher (all day)
Sound for Relaxation, Heather Frahn (all day)
Meditation for Staff, Heather Frahn (12pm)
Do you value Arts in Health?
Landmark framework boosts profile of
arts and health
Please contact Arts in Health at FMC if you would like to refer a
patient for an Arts Therapy session. Bindi works at FMC every Tuesday.
For more information visit:
www.flinders.sa.gov.au/artsinhealth
Arts In Health At FMC
Flinders Medical Centre
Flinders Drive
Bedford Park SA 5042
[email protected]
+ 61 8 8204 3096
www.flinders.edu.au/artsinhealth
WINTER/SPRING 2014
“Writing is a very immediate way to reminisce about the past.
People feel comforted by being able to explain themselves,
their lives and their experiences,” he said. “People can do very
sophisticated work without any technical skills.”
David said giving patients’ freedom from their medical condition
through poetry was a vital ingredient in the improvement of a
patient’s mood.
“I’m not a medical practitioner, so there’s freedom from their
condition,” he said. “For example, a patient will say his name
directly followed by his mental health condition. But later I discover
that the patient was also a farmer, enrolled in the armed forces and
a father. There are more important things about his identity, but he
has been ghettoised by his mental health condition.
“In the case of aged care patients, many are experiencing a physical
decline but this writing process makes them realise that their minds
are still very agile, dynamic and excited.”
Power of Poetry is run on Wednesday mornings
Sound for Relaxation is run by singer/songwriter Heather Frahn. This
project involves working with patients and staff on all wards in the
hospital to create a relaxing interlude to the day, which promotes
relaxation and reflection. The aim of the project is to support patient
healing and recovery, and to enhance staff morale and well-being.
The techniques used by Heather are based in theories of healing
through the use of harmonic singing and tonal music with
specialists in Australia and overseas.
Heather’s approach is sensitive and non-intrusive, only working
with patients or staff when invited. On the Neonatal Unit and ICCU
she weaves her way through the ward playing and singing gently.
The response is overwhelmingly calming and the instant reduction
in stress levels palpable. Many patients experience a shift in mood
and are grateful for the chance to briefly step outside their hospital
experience and relax.
Sound for Relaxation is run at FMC on Tuesdays
Visual Arts
Ongoing Program
Arts in Health Patient Referral System
Music Performance
Exhibitions
In 2013 Arts in Health at FMC, in collaboration with FMC Social Work &
Counselling Services, initiated an Arts in Health Patient Referral System.
This system is now well established and is increasingly used by medical,
nursing and allied health staff throughout all areas of the hospital.
Patients and visitors can also request Arts in Health services directly
through the office. The response to a patient referral is tailored to the
interests and abilities of each individual patient, with the activity and/
or artist aiming to respond directly to the patients’ needs.
Arts in Health at FMC runs a weekly live music performance program,
coordinated by Isabelle Ashford, in the wards and public spaces of the
hospital. Live music provides a welcome distraction to the frequently busy
routines of the hospital environment.
Musicians are employed whose music and performance skills match the
wards in which they play. A diverse range of music provides variety and
the exposure to genres of music that people may not have encountered
previously, including classical, folk, blues, opera, Indian, oriental, vocal
and acoustic. You can ring Arts in Health at FMC if you would like live
music on your ward on Wednesday mornings.
Arts in Health at FMC has three public galleries within the hospital
that boast regular changing exhibitions by professional artists
throughout the year. These exhibitions are changed every eight
weeks, creating that little bit of surprise in the environment for
staff, patients and visitors. Our main galleries, Promenade Gallery A
& B are located on level 2 and run alongside the Central Courtyard.
Our smaller space, the Community Gallery aims to support artists
from the local community. This gallery is located in the walkway
between the Southern Volunteer Guide Station and Outpatient
Clinics on Level 2 of the hospital.
In the event of an artist not being available to visit the patient on the
day of referral we aim to get an Art Pack delivered with a follow up
visit at a later date. Art Packs are designed according to medium and
include: origami, pastel drawing, acrylic painting, mandala colouring
and card making.
2014 Promenade Gallery Program:
19 May – 27 July 2014
Promenade Gallery A
FMC Aboriginal Art Exhibition
Arts in Health at FMC is currently trialling the use of Nurture Packs
for patients and their carers who are receiving end of life care. The
packs contain objects that are nurturing and enhance the ambience
of the patient environment, providing opportunities for reflection
and relaxation.
Promenade Gallery B
A Collection of Works from Better
World Arts
Meditation for staff
28 July – 5 October 2014
Promenade Gallery A
SALA Exhibition
Promenade Gallery B
Selected works from the FMC
Aboriginal Art Exhibition
Meditate on your lunch break!
After a busy morning at work or before your afternoon shift, FMC
staff can now take some time out to de-stress and recharge, with free
meditation sessions held on Tuesdays in the level 4 Chapel from 12pm
to 12:30pm. No bookings are required, and beginners are welcome.
Heather Frahn, Arts in Health at FMC Sound for Relaxation facilitator,
said meditation was a great way for staff to practice ‘mindfulness’ or
‘being attentive in all aspects of life’, including the work environment.
‘Meditation isn’t just useful for people with specific health problems,
it can be used by anyone to improve their overall quality of life,’
she said. ‘It’s the most widely used alternative therapy in Australia,
and the medical profession also recognises meditation for its many
benefits.’ So feel free to come along and recharge!
The Art Trolley
The Art Trolley offers an opportunity for patients to engage in art
activities and experiment with a diverse range of materials and
techniques without having to leave their beds! Activities include
such things as felting, painting and collage. It is free and no
experience is necessary.
The Art Trolley is driven by artist, Helen Crawford. Helen has been
exhibiting her work for over twenty-five years; she has taught art,
is a freelance sculptor and in more recent years been involved in
Community Arts projects, including mosaics, murals and mixed media
installations. Helen has spent time in Tasmania, Northern Territory and
Malaysia, as part of various projects and residencies.
The Art Trolley is also available for staff workshops and in-service
training and is out on the wards every Wednesday.
Patients journey to the past
By Monique Paschke
Patients are taken on a trip down memory lane, with the help of a unique
Object Handling Project at Flinders Medical Centre, which aims to enrich
the stay of patients in hospital by providing the opportunity to handle
rare and unique items. The objects originate from the South Australian
Museum, the National Motor Museum and the Migration Museum.
Now in its fourth year, the project features objects such as fossils
aged over 500 million years, car badges, artefacts, and marine
instruments. The items are placed in front of the patients and they
are able to touch them up and learn about their origins.
Arts in Health at FMC Coordinator Sally Francis said the objects provide
a sensory experience for the patients and often trigger powerful
memories or stories from the patient’s life outside of hospital.
“Research from University College London has shown that touch is
a powerful tool in evoking memory and stimulating conversation,
especially handling objects with historic or cultural relevance.”
Sally said the project’s ability to transport patients to another place
and another time could also prove beneficial for their recovery,
alleviating boredom and the focus on illness.
“Many patients have a detailed knowledge about the objects
they chose to handle and it can really boost their self-esteem and
confidence to share stories and memories from the past, which in
turn can help alleviate stress and depression.”
The Object Handling Project is delivered to patients by first year
medical students as part of an Arts in Health at FMC elective.
Students say that it gives them “a sense of the patient as a person
and not just a medical problem.”
This year the project will also include a visual art component with a
variety of paintings and drawings used to stimulate conversation and
reflection. It occurs on Monday afternoons from August to November and
is available to any interested patients.
FMC patient John Williams learning about an ancient fossil
with Flinders University medical students Nikita Radford (middle) and Kate Wheldrake.
7 October – 30 November 2014
Promenade Gallery A
FMC Staff and Volunteers
on Show
Promenade Gallery B
FU School of Medicine
Students on Show
2 December 2014 – 1 February 2015
Promenade Gallery A
Brad Martin
Promenade Gallery B
East End Artists
Minda Inc.
2014 Community Gallery Program:
14 April – 15 June 2014
Life Without Barriers ‘Side By Side – A Two Colour Collision’
17 June – 24 August 2014
Andrea Wyatt
26 August – 2 November 2014
Chun Shim
Emergency Department Photo
Competition
Last year the FMC Emergency Department (ED) organised
a photographic competition for ED staff. The response was
overwhelming with over 150 photographs submitted, many of which
were of high quality and excellent artistic composition.
Arts in Health at FMC is currently working on a proposal for a
selection of some the photographs to be permanently installed in ED
and other areas of the hospital, as enlarged photographic images
reproduced on Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP). ACP has the
capacity to be large-scale, high definition, light weight, long lasting
and cleanable with solvents, which is important for infection control in
a hospital environment. The images will be selected from the ED Staff
photographic competition to profile the creative work of staff and
acknowledge staff contribution to the hospital.
Photo (detail) by Andrew Douglas, Emergency Nurse Practitioner
Insects, waterfalls and a whole lot of love
A recent exhibition of Robert Easson’s pastel drawings at FMC paid
tribute to his determination to continue drawing despite a turbulent
medical history.
Robert was initially encouraged to work on his pastel drawings at the
Repatriation General Hospital, following his first stroke in 2008, which
left him speech-impaired and confined to a wheelchair. Not allowing
his lack of mobility to deter him, his close-knit family formed a roster
of two visits a day, taking him to the Botanic Gardens and the Adelaide
Hills, which is where Robert’s fascination with nature blossomed.
Robert’s younger sister Marg Easson says it was a mixture of art,
singing and love from family and friends that kept him emotionally
afloat during a severe depression.“ His carer Gary Brown introduced
him to singing and the group Singing Magpies, which really gave him
the confidence to speak again,” Marg said.“There is no doubt that
music, support from people and his artwork saved him.”
Having lost the use of his limbs and speech after his second stroke,
Robert’s family approached the Arts in Health at FMC team for an
exhibition that would honour his work. “Rob was treated twice at FMC
and it seemed right to have the exhibition here,” she said.
Arts in Health at FMC hosted the exhibition in fond memory of Robert
Easson who passed away on the 23 February 2014. We thank his sister,
Marg, and family for supporting the exhibition of Robs’ work with such
loving care.

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