Plans are under way to transform one of the ‘courtyard areas’ off the main corridor at Forth Valley Royal Hospital into a reflection area for staff to relax. An artist has been appointed to come up with ideas for courtyard J* with the aim of creating a place for staff to relax, echoing a theme of reflection, calm, mindfulness and sustainability.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, courtyard areas around the hospital were increasingly used by staff during their breaks and they have become an important part of daily life. The aim is to provide a space for staff to take some time out from the challenges of day-to-day work and reflect on the importance of taking care of themselves and others. Ideally the space will be designed to include a secluded or sheltered area and a more open area with communal seating to encourage sharing and socialisation.
The courtyard is enclosed within the hospital footprint with no external access however it will also be visible to patients and staff in the upper floors.
As part of the redesign Silvia Sinibaldi from Artlink Central and designer Marion Parola from Bespoke Atelier are keen to work with staff from across the hospital to gather ideas and suggestions on how this space could be redeveloped to provide a pleasant, calming and practical area for staff to spend time, destress and reflect. They are holding a number of on-site sessions to chat with staff and gather ideas and you can also complete a short online survey to provide feedback and suggestions.
For more information contact Silvia Sinibaldi, Programme Coordinator, Artlink Central at silvia@artlinkcentral.org
*the large courtyard between Blocks A and B at Forth Valley Royal Hospital (close to radiology and on the left-hand side as you walk from the atrium towards the Mental Health Unit).
