Hospital pays £37K for art curator
Discussion
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cambridgeshire/4732481.stm
A hospital that was downgraded from three to two stars by the Healthcare Commission is recruiting an art curator on a salary of nearly £37,000 a year.
Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge has advertised for a "dynamic art curator to manage the hospital's art project".
Simon Williams, of the Patients Association, said: "I am really quite amazed at the decision. You could employ extra nurses on this salary."
But an Addenbrooke's spokeswoman said the position is funded by charity cash.
A hospital that was downgraded from three to two stars by the Healthcare Commission is recruiting an art curator on a salary of nearly £37,000 a year.
Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge has advertised for a "dynamic art curator to manage the hospital's art project".
Simon Williams, of the Patients Association, said: "I am really quite amazed at the decision. You could employ extra nurses on this salary."
But an Addenbrooke's spokeswoman said the position is funded by charity cash.
minimax said:
since the position is wholly funded by outside cash from a charity with funds specifically set aside for this purpose, where's the issue?
I don't care where the money comes from, once they get waiting lists down to Zero days, then they can spend it on pretty pictures.
I'm sure people giving to the charity would rather it was spent on healthcare than eye-candy.
simpo two said:
since the position is wholly funded by outside cash from a charity with funds specifically set aside for this purpose, where's the issue?
I don't care where the money comes from, once they get waiting lists down to Zero days, then they can spend it on pretty pictures.
I'm sure people giving to the charity would rather it was spent on healthcare than eye-candy.
firstly, I realise that came across as having a pitch at you - this wasn't my intention
secondly, if people have willingly given money to a charity knowing it will go on projects like this then where's the problem?
simpo two said:
since the position is wholly funded by outside cash from a charity with funds specifically set aside for this purpose, where's the issue?
I don't care where the money comes from, once they get waiting lists down to Zero days, then they can spend it on pretty pictures.
I'm sure people giving to the charity would rather it was spent on healthcare than eye-candy.
As much as I hate waste in the NHS, if this project was funded by a charity set up for this eventuality, I don't see what the problem is.
It's well known that esoteric things, such as nice scenery and surroundings can assist in patient recovery. It's no accident that a lot of hospitals have nice, manicured gardens, where patients can sit.
It's interesting, because people often complain at how drab hospitals are, and how depressing they are. This can only improve the situation.
As far as waiting lists go, this is a far more complex situation than you might think, and will take concerted action by all parties to make them disappear.
minimax said:
minimax said:
since the position is wholly funded by outside cash from a charity with funds specifically set aside for this purpose, where's the issue?
I don't care where the money comes from, once they get waiting lists down to Zero days, then they can spend it on pretty pictures.
I'm sure people giving to the charity would rather it was spent on healthcare than eye-candy.
firstly, I realise that came across as having a pitch at you - this wasn't my intention
secondly, if people have willingly given money to a charity knowing it will go on projects like this then where's the problem?
What charity? Lets hold judgement and check em out.
Speaking as someone who is involved in the design and construction of hospital interiors I'd like to make a few points.
Plenty of research has been carried out which demonstrates how artwork can assist in creating environments which are BENEFICIAL to patients health. These improved environments actually assist patients recovery, helping them to return home earlier, therefore freeing up beds. Remember, plenty of patients are in hospital with shock or stress related conditions - not just physical.
The directives issued by NHS Estates actually poitively encourages the use of artwork in hospitals. In response to this, some charitable organisations provide funding for it, and many private individuals and companies donate artwork.
Whether or not an Art Director is necessary and whether the salary is appropriate is one thing, but please do not confuse this with whether art work should be in hospitals - IT SHOULD BE.
Plenty of research has been carried out which demonstrates how artwork can assist in creating environments which are BENEFICIAL to patients health. These improved environments actually assist patients recovery, helping them to return home earlier, therefore freeing up beds. Remember, plenty of patients are in hospital with shock or stress related conditions - not just physical.
The directives issued by NHS Estates actually poitively encourages the use of artwork in hospitals. In response to this, some charitable organisations provide funding for it, and many private individuals and companies donate artwork.
Whether or not an Art Director is necessary and whether the salary is appropriate is one thing, but please do not confuse this with whether art work should be in hospitals - IT SHOULD BE.
There should be art in hospitals no doubt, however this type of project does come across badly, wether intentional or not, my fear is when they set on a curator of art what they will get is art that is "challenging" or "thought provoking" by some dipstick who is from the art school of the kings new clothes. This is where they convince some dimwit that what they have produced is art and anyone who cannot see the art in a pile of bricks is a crass piece of shit.
The art people want is pictures of the outside and nice heartening subjects that warm them to humanity and aid recovery.
I am the boy who said the king has no clothes
The art people want is pictures of the outside and nice heartening subjects that warm them to humanity and aid recovery.
I am the boy who said the king has no clothes
groomi said:
Speaking as someone who is involved in the design and construction of hospital interiors I'd like to make a few points.
Plenty of research has been carried out which demonstrates how artwork can assist in creating environments which are BENEFICIAL to patients health. These improved environments actually assist patients recovery, helping them to return home earlier, therefore freeing up beds. Remember, plenty of patients are in hospital with shock or stress related conditions - not just physical.
The directives issued by NHS Estates actually poitively encourages the use of artwork in hospitals. In response to this, some charitable organisations provide funding for it, and many private individuals and companies donate artwork.
Whether or not an Art Director is necessary and whether the salary is appropriate is one thing, but please do not confuse this with whether art work should be in hospitals - IT SHOULD BE.
Absolutely.
As one who works in a hospital, it makes such a difference to work in a place that is well designed, light and cheerful, as opposed to the dreary, dingy victorian monoliths that we normally live in.
Patients also much prefer it, and recovery is made so much more easy if their environs are salubrious.
I think there are strong arguments on both sides. The experience I had at Addenbrookes was a few days spent in the filthiest ward I have ever seen wtih overworked staff. This could well have been a one-off expereince caused by staff shortages.
On the otherhand - I don't think it aids recovery to be in a place that looks like a 1950s institution or prision - also the nicer the working environment will impact on staff retention.
On the otherhand - I don't think it aids recovery to be in a place that looks like a 1950s institution or prision - also the nicer the working environment will impact on staff retention.
spaximus said:
This is where they convince some dimwit that what they have produced is art and anyone who cannot see the art in a pile of bricks is a crass piece of shit.
The art people want is pictures of the outside and nice heartening subjects that warm them to humanity and aid recovery.
You blinkered dolt! A dead shark slowly rotting in a tank of formaldehyde in the hospital reception area would reduce waiting lists by at least 88%.
Especially if they left the lid off.
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