Art Therapy Launch

29 Mar 2018

Both Berwick Integrated Care and Casey Surgical Group are committed to obtaining optimal outcomes for patients. However, neither believe in relying solely on traditional medical approaches to do so. Art therapy, as a tool to aid recovery, is gaining traction across the medical community and these organisations recently made a significant donation to support the St John of God Berwick Hospital’s Cartwheels Program which is kicking off this year.

Combining a variety of artistic mediums, patients at St John of God Berwick Hospital are able to enhance their stay in hospital and improve their wellbeing and recovery through drawing, painting, listening to music, sculpting or collaging.

“There are no rules,” says Karen Rolfe, Pastoral Services Coordinator. “You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from the program. Our aim in providing these opportunities is to help people express themselves and give them a break from thinking about their pain. It’s a simple way to lift their spirits as well.”

Local surgeon and spokesperson for Berwick Integrated Care and Casey Surgical Group, Leigh Reeves, is a great believer in the benefits that art therapy can offer patients in their recovery from illness or surgery and was pleased to write out the $5000 cheque on behalf of the two organisations.

“Although the scientific evidence for art therapy is still limited, many health professionals think it may encourage you to be creative and self-confident, help to control anxiety, depression and low self-esteem and ultimately help to take your mind off your pain or discomfort” he said.

Those thoughts were echoed by St John of God Berwick Hospital patient, Paul Van Den Bergen, who says, “I suffer from anxiety, and art calms me down to no end“ adding that "It’s a lot better than being bored.”

The program uses art and music to allow patients to use other mediums of communication that might be more meaningful to them.

“For people who prefer to express emotion through non-verbal means, these art therapy programs are there to help. It’s part of the ethos at St John of God Berwick Hospital.” says Karen. “We offer a holistic approach here because it aligns with our values—excellence in care.”

According to Leigh, support from Berwick Integrated Care and Casey Surgical Group came about because there was some discussion a few years ago around what can be done to make the time spent undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments pass more quickly and improve patient moods. “Art therapy was one way,” he says.

“A review in 2010 looked at all the studies that researched art therapy for cancer symptoms. The researchers found that art therapy seemed to give improvement in distress, depression, tiredness, and general health,” says Leigh. “Berwick Integrated Care and Casey Surgical Group are dedicated to getting better patient outcomes, not just with excellent surgery but with looking after the whole patient as well.  We are very pleased to have this opportunity to donate to such a worthwhile program at St John of God Berwick Hospital.”

Patients at St John of God Berwick Hospital can find out more about art therapy by contacting Pastoral Services or their nurse.