Case Study: Leri Cancer Unit Art Programme

Embedding Healing Through Art

Introduction

The Leri Cancer Unit at Bronglais General Hospital, opened in May 2025. It is a flagship, award winning Hywel Dda University Health Board project that integrates public art into a new Cancer Unit, transforming clinical care through creativity. Co-produced with patients, staff, and artists, the unit reflects the Welsh landscape and culture, creating a healing, inclusive environment in the UK’s smallest general hospital. The art programme, led by Hywel Dda’s Arts and Health Team, involved patients, staff, and the community in co-creating a shared artistic vision to create a comfortable and calming atmosphere through the incorporation of the arts that reflects the compassionate care provided by the CDU team.

The Challenge

The former chemotherapy unit at Bronglais was outdated and no longer fit for purpose. Despite excellent clinical care, the environment lacked dignity and comfort. The Health Board aimed to create a modern facility that supported both physical and emotional wellbeing. The integration of art was identified as a key strategy to enhance patient experience, reduce anxiety, and reflect community identity. In late 2022, The wider Project Group designated the scheme as a Flagship Project for the incorporation of the arts into a healthcare environment with the aim to address the need for a more comforting, dignified, and emotionally supportive space for cancer patients in mid and West Wales. Staff also identified the importance of working in an uplifting environment to support morale and care delivery. The initiative aligned with Hywel Dda’s Arts and Health Charter and responded to growing evidence of the therapeutic benefits of art in healthcare.

The Approach

A multidisciplinary Public Art Group (PAG) was formed in 2023, including clinicians, patients, artists, and architects. Emotional mapping workshops and participatory sessions shaped the artistic vision. Four Welsh artists and a bilingual poet were commissioned to create site-specific works inspired by the local landscape. The process was inclusive, with patients and staff contributing directly to the artwork. The result is a space that feels safe, welcoming, and culturally resonant and better reflects the level of care provided by the Leri Cancer Team. The project was delivered over two years with a dedicated budget of £45,000 (1.5% of the capital project), excluding project management costs.

The Impact

Evaluation used surveys, interviews, and feedback forms to assess patient and staff experience. Results show improved emotional comfort, increased staff morale, and a sense of pride in the new environment. Patients described the unit as “beautiful” and “a place that makes you feel safe.” Staff reported that the space “lifts mood and inspires better care.” The art was seen as integral, not decorative—“the icing on the cake” of the new unit. Participatory workshops fostered creativity, connection, and empowerment. Artists praised the inclusive process and meaningful engagement. The project exceeded its artistic goals and set a precedent for future capital projects. “It creates a healing environment and the artwork to enjoy in what will be for many a difficult circumstance in life.” Patient “I was honoured to be a part of the project. It meant so much after receiving treatment myself and seeing how it would benefit all future patients and make their treatment as comfortable as possible.” Patient Representative “The arts and health scheme surpassed our expectations. We felt that unless our patients feel safe we had wasted the opportunity…“I’m so proud of what we have achieved. The feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive” Lead Oncologist “… Patients will be happier. When patients are happier, patient outcomes are better. Arts and Health should be part of every new project. The benefit is huge and disproportionate to the cost.” “incorporating art into this scheme has given the opportunity to consider the natural world and how it impacts our well being - the sense of joy this part of the scheme brought was evident to all” Lead Cancer Nurse The Leri Cancer Unit was recognised as a finalist and runner up in in the Environment of Care and Cancer Experience of Care categories at the Picker Experience Network Awards 2025; the national patient experience awards

Lessons Learned

Establishing a Public Art Group early was vital with early, regular and continuous engagement central to the success of the project. Participatory elements enhanced engagement and impact. Flexibility in patient and staff involvement was key. Co-creating an artistic vision that is sensitive to local communities, culture, people and place builds ownership and enhances community connection. Extensive learning took place across the Health Board which is contributing to the increased recognition and understanding of the value of the arts in healthcare and role of the arts can play in creating more therapeutic healthcare environments.

The Legacy

The Leri Cancer Unit now serves as a model for integrating arts into healthcare at Hywel Dda. The project is informing the development of a Public Art Framework for Hywel Dda UHB and inspired future capital projects to embed creativity and community/patient voice. Staff and patients continue to benefit from the healing environment, and the community feels a lasting connection to the space.

Website and Social Media Links

Bronglais Hospital's Leri Cancer Unit shortlisted for two national awards - Hywel Dda University Health Board https://hduhb.nhs.wales/news/press-releases/leri-cancer-unit-at-bronglais-hospital-officially-opens/ https://hduhb.nhs.wales/news/press-releases/introducing-the-leri-cancer-unit-artists/ https://hduhb.nhs.wales/news/press-releases/local-artists-and-poets-to-enhance-patient-environment-of-new-unit/ https://hduhb.nhs.wales/news/press-releases/art-workshops-for-bronglais-hospitals-new-cancer-day-unit/ https://hduhb.nhs.wales/news/press-releases/bronglais-chemo-project-update https://hduhb.nhs.wales/arts-and-health-charter/

Contact Details

Kathryn Lambert Head of Arts and Health Hywel Dda University Health Board Email: Kathryn.Lambert@wales.nhs.uk

Tags: Hywel Dda Health Charities, community donors, arts, health, wellbeing, cancer care, creativity, health board, wales,

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