Staff, patients and visitors are enjoying a fresh-faced Emergency Department (ED), after the anticipated Song Lines art project was installed in late November.
The fresh façade, taken from Kylie Hill's original artwork Song Lines within Healing Places, is inspiring inclusiveness, representation and cultural connection for First Nations patients, visitors and staff.
Behind the project is a dedicated multidisciplinary effort led by A/Director Emergency and Medical Services and Senior Emergency Physician Dr Alison Ryan, Cultural Capability Officer Brian Blow, A/NUM Sara Hatten-Masterson, CNC Clare Thomas, and Hospital Liaison Officer Kaban Griffiths.
Beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal of the artwork, Alison says the installation is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural landscape of the QEII community, and importantly to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for First Nations patients, visitors and staff.
“The Song Lines artwork came about over many months with a group of us in QEII ED really wanting to have a visible symbol for our patients and our staff that represented our desire to recognise the importance of health care for our local communities including our First Nations peoples,” she said.
While honouring the deep cultural and historical meaning behind traditional Songlines art, the installation speaks to QEII’s commitment to bridging cultural barriers on the way to achieving health equity for patients of all backgrounds.
“We know the importance of health equity in ED care, and we wanted everyone to think of this. But also having beautiful art that means something is really important in our environment – it creates a calmer environment and helps people to relax in an otherwise stressful event in their day.
“Getting together with Kaban and Uncle Brian to learn more about this art and what it means, has been a great learning journey for us and also an opportunity to strengthen our relationships together also.”
Thank you to all involved in bringing the art to life, and congratulations on a successful installation.