Monday 20 October 2025 marked the beginning of a new initiative at West Herts Hospitals: enhancing the hospital environment through the display of carefully curated artworks.
The official launch, held at St Albans City Hospital, serves as the kickoff for a major new arts strategy that covers all three Trust sites: St Albans City, Watford General, and Hemel Hempstead Hospitals. The initiative, delivered by West Herts Hospitals Charity in partnership with Paintings in Hospitals Charity (now part of CW+), celebrates the installation of new artworks across St Albans City and Watford General Hospitals to enrich the environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Art has a proven impact in healthcare settings, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, spark conversation, and contribute to overall wellbeing. This initial launch provides a foundation for the Trust to embed art into the experience of patients and staff.
Alison Rosen, CEO of West Herts Hospitals Charity (pictured below left), said: “It is wonderful to launch our arts strategy. This initiative will create a more calming and inspiring environment across our hospitals. We are committed to making our hospitals not just places of treatment, but spaces that actively support patient and staff wellbeing.”
Janet Bates Relationship & Development Manager from Paintings in Hospitals, added: “Art can help us stay well, aid our recovery, and support us to live longer, healthier lives. We are proud to partner with West Herts Hospitals Charity to ensure patients and staff at Watford, St Albans, and Hemel Hempstead have access to these enriching and calming works of art. We know that engaging with art reduces feelings of isolation and anxiety in healthcare settings. Importantly, these pieces were selected by staff and patients, ensuring they deeply resonate with the community they serve.”