First comprehensive hospital arts guidance launched to transform NHS creative health programmes

The National Arts in Hospitals Network (NAHN) today launched the first comprehensive web-based guidance for establishing and managing hospital arts programmes across the UK at University College London Hospitals (UCLH).

The NAHN Arts in Hospitals Guidance offers a complete suite of resources covering six essential areas: governance, strategy, evaluation, collection management, art and environment, and participatory arts. Developed by creative health consultant Jane Willis in collaboration with NAHN members, with accessible visual design by Jennie Ives and funding from Arts Council England.

Katie Newell head of arts programmes at Newcastle Hospitals Charity said: “The new National Art in Hospitals Guidance from the network provides a clear framework for integrating art programmes into hospital settings throughout the UK, highlighting evidence of their significant benefit. I have been delighted to be part of the Steering Group, supporting the development of these extensive resources with other members of the network.

“This process has demonstrated the need for these guides across the sector, to support best practice within arts in hospital programmes. I’m excited to be able to share and use them with colleagues in Newcastle Hospitals, as part of our ongoing arts programme that seeks to enhance the patient experience, support staff wellbeing and create more therapeutic hospital environments.”

Guy Noble and Laura Waters, Directors of the National Arts in Hospitals Network, said: “This guidance represents a watershed moment for hospital arts in the UK. For the first time, hospital arts managers and NHS leaders have access to comprehensive, evidence-based tools that demonstrate how creative interventions can be strategically embedded within healthcare delivery.”

Jane Willis, lead author, commented: “By bringing together best practice from across the sector, we’ve created a resource that will foster confidence and reinforce the professionalism of this vital work while inspiring NHS trusts new to hospital arts to set up programmes founded on good practice.”

David Probert, UCLH Chief Executive, said: “The arts in hospital are an essential component of patient care; they are not just an afterthought. This guidance provides the framework we need to ensure arts programmes are professionally managed, strategically aligned, and delivering maximum impact. We are fortunate at UCLH to have a strong charity which raises funds to enable this essential work.“

About the Guidance

The toolkit comprises 6 comprehensive guidance documents, 16 inspirational case studies from UK hospital arts programmes, and 14 practical tools and templates for immediate application. Key areas include:

• Governance: Foundational management and funding guidance
• Strategy: Planning arts programmes aligned with NHS priorities
• Evaluation: Understanding value and impact through effective assessment
• Collection Management: Starting and developing hospital art collections
• Art and Environment: Integrating art into healthcare spaces
• Participatory Arts: Engaging patients and staff in creative activities

The guidance addresses NAHN’s mission for every hospital in the UK to engage staff and patients through arts to promote health and wellbeing, supporting both newcomers and experienced practitioners.

Alex Coulter, Director of the National Centre for Creative Health, added: “Hospital Arts Programmes play a crucial role in the wider creative health ecosystem and can provide leadership at a place level in ensuring high quality creative health programmes are embedded in systems.”

Background

NAHN represents over 100 NHS hospitals through its national network. Founded in 2019, NAHN integrated with NHS Charities Together in 2024, expanding reach across the UK. Recent achievements include “Our National Health Stories” winning the Royal Society for Public Health Arts & Health Award 2024, and distributing over 50 Damien Hirst artworks to NHS hospitals during the pandemic.