Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and its charity CW+ have been pioneers in the Arts and Health field for over 25 years. By bringing music, performance and the visual arts into the hospital, they have created an extraordinary environment and transformed the experience of countless patients, visitors and members of staff . In this collection of essays, we delve into the story of the arts at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, from the installation of daring sculpture before the hospital opened its doors, to the exciting future of the programme. The Healing Arts discusses the impact of the arts on patients’ recovery, in some cases shortening their stay or reducing their need for pain medication. From drawing to music to creative digital technology, this volume looks at how integrating the arts into the day-to-day life of the hospital has changed its patients’ experience of care.
