Volume 1

The art of good health : a practical handbook / NHS Estates.

  • Great Britain. National Health Service. Estates.
Date:
2002
Catalogue details

Licence: Open Government Licence

Credit: The art of good health : a practical handbook / NHS Estates. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    36/60 (page 35)
    Artists are sometimes caricatured as demanding and difficult prima donnas who have no idea of the practicalities of working in the real world. While this may be true of a few, there are many more who are sensitive people with insight, imagination and highly developed creative thinking and problem-solving skills. | Many artists are also excellent communicators, and, through having to manage their own businesses, are organised, efficient and only too aware of budget restraints. However, that said, when artists work in healthcare there is a meeting of two very different cultures, and a need, on both sides, to understand each other. The best trust and respect as well as open and honest communication. So, to get the best out of an artist, be clear about what you want, brief your artist well, be prepared to listen to their ideas and suggestions and offer as much support and background information as you can. Artists’ induction A formal induction or orientation should always be given to an artist before starting work in a healthcare setting. The induction should not only cover health and safety and other practical issues, but also moral and ethical issues as well as guidance on dealing with intense and emotional situations. As well as an induction, artists might need specific training around issues such as confidentiality, dealing with difficult or compromising situations, managing professional boundaries or the needs of a particular client group such as mental health service users, children or older people. An induction checklist Health check e If an artist is coming into contact with patients Criminal Records Bureau disclosure e For artists working unsupervised with children or vulnerable adults. Make sure you apply for this several months before the project starts since it can take this long to come through Health and Safety ¢ Materials and equipment risk assessment e Reminder to switch off mobile phones while in a hospital building e Fire awareness e HIV/Aids awareness e MRSA/Tuberculosis awareness