Art Kart & Storytelling at the bedside
Artist Eilis O’Toole and storyteller Joe Brennan visit the Paediatric Ward of University Hospital Waterford (UHW) in the afternoons to support the hospital’s younger patients to lose themselves in art making and magical stories.
“After creating her little ‘masterpiece’, compliments of the Art Kart, my daughter said it was great to have ‘an hour without pain’. Thanks so much.”
The Art Kart is an inspiring initiative which sees a professional artist bringing a brightly coloured refurbished medicine trolley, packed with high quality art materials, to the bedside of young patients. A welcome sight in the corridors of the hospital, the Art Kart is invaluable as a positive diversion for children, relieving them of some of the worry they may experience in hospital, and encouraging them to explore, to be creative and to simply have some fun. Artist Eilis O’Toole brings great skill to this role, responding to the needs and interests of each individual in the most person-centred way. The children can also exhibit their work in colourful frames located at the entrance to the ward. These frames are updated regularly, giving each patient the opportunity to have their artworks displayed.
Storyteller Joe Brennan brings magic and wonder to children and their families every Thursday afternoon through his captivating storytelling sessions. Joe’s sessions are warmly received by patients, family members and staff, as they offer the children the opportunity to delve into their imagination offering respite to all. See for yourself what Storytelling on the Paediatric Ward is about: