Kidney dialysis patients showcase art at exhibition in Glasgow

The project, part of the Art in Hospital project, features more than 50 pieces of artwork including sketches, paintings, and collages.

It is designed to give patients a voice and lift their spirits by providing a creative escape from the mental strains of regular dialysis.

The initiative also aims to enhance the patients' self-esteem and confidence, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and distract from their treatment.

Artists from Art in Hospital spent around five months working with 53 patients at the Renal Dialysis Unit, resulting in the Imaginary Journeys exhibition.

Patients explored memories of near and distant lands, people, and places.

Tina Carroll, 68, from Darnley, has been receiving dialysis at the New Victoria for just over three years and attends three days a week.

The mother-of-two, diagnosed with renal failure in 2017, said she was initially hesitant to participate in the project as she didn't consider herself artistic.

However, she shared the positive impact it had on her.

Tina made collages and paintings using leaves from the Botanic Gardens (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) Tina said: "We were told about the project a couple of weeks before the artists came into the unit.

"At the time I didn’t think I would be interested because I’ve never been able to draw.

"But taking part in the project made me feel like I was doing something worthwhile."

John McShane, 32, who had a kidney transplant two months ago, said the project helped him rediscover the creativity he used in his previous job as a chef.

John McShane was inspired by the dreams of his five-year-old daughter, Emily, when choosing what to focus his artwork on (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) John said: "I always had my dialysis at night, and the nights we were working on our artwork just flew by.

"Everyone on the unit would be looking forward to it.

"It changed my outlook as the time I was spending on dialysis was getting me down.

"It allowed me not to think about being on dialysis."

Janice Gallagher, 63, who receives dialysis for IgA nephropathy, said the art project boosted her morale and made her look forward to her appointments.

She said: "It takes your mind off of what you’re going through and it makes you look forward to going for your dialysis."

Janice Gallagher from Pollokshaws  (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) Dr Mun Woo, an associate specialist in renal medicine for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, praised the initiative as a 'simple, risk-free intervention' which has significantly improved the patients' mental wellbeing.

Dr Woo said: "Patients reported feeling calmer, more content, and more in control of their lives, as a direct result of the art.

"In fact, half the patients expressed that they looked forward to attending dialysis sessions during the art programme."

Robbie McGhee, associate director of Art in Hospital, said the exhibition connects patients, staff, family, friends, and the wider public to raise awareness and change perceptions around people experiencing illness.

Robbie said: "It allows patients to value their work and boost their self-esteem and wellbeing.

"It also allows visitors to the exhibitions to appreciate work as the valid and vibrant art pieces that they are."

Andrea Sergeant, senior charge nurse in the Renal Dialysis Unit, said the project had made a real difference to the patients who took part.

Andrea said: "You could see the difference the project made to the patients who took part as it gave them a real morale boost.

"During dialysis, patients have limited use of one of their arms which makes what they’ve created even more remarkable and we are all so proud of them."