As part of Oxford Health Arts Partnership, those being cared for on wards at Oxfordshire Stroke Rehabilitation Unit (OSRU) and Wallingford Community Hospital have been busy sharing memories and working on poppy themed displays.

Now a stunning field of poppies have been created outside OSRU at Abingdon Community Hospital in time for this Remembrance Sunday.

Sarah Moncrieff an artist in residence, said: “Patients at ORSU have had the chance to work on poppy related pieces of artwork with me over the last two weeks and I will be in residence on the ward until December.

“Not only has this given them the chance to engage in creative activity, but it has also given them the chance to discuss the significance of Remembrance Day, talk over memories and what that day means to them.  Projects creating poppies with tissue papers, coloured card and pens have also allowed patients valuable time to practice essential motor skills.

“A chance to immerse yourself in a creative group activity brings so many social benefits too.  Patients throughout the project have welcomed this opportunity and they are always keen to tell me how they feel so much better at the end of the art sessions.”

Dionne Freeman, an artist in residence at Wallingford Hospital, said: “Patients have been working hard to create three dimensional wooden poppies. The poppies have been carefully collaged and painted and have made a lovely poppy scene in the day room.”

One patient said: “This has been a great distraction and has taken my mind off things!”

A patient at OSRU said: “The staff and patients on OSRU ward had a lot of fun creating the poppy’s for field of remembrance with the artist in residence, what a beautiful field they made to brighten up the ward.”

The Oxford Health Arts Partnership is a joint venture between Artscape, Creating with Care and the Oxford Health Charity.  It enables art activities to take place across the Trust – with both patients and staff – and undertakes projects to enhance the environment which we all work and receive/give care within.

To get in touch about upcoming projects, ideas or to find out more contact our charity by emailing charity@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

Have a look at the images below to see what our patients have been creating.