A striking mural depicting the picturesque river side in Abingdon has transformed the day room on Abbey Ward in Abingdon Community Hospital, thanks to support from Oxford Health Charity.  

Local artist Dionne Freeman worked with staff and patients from the initial concept through to the finer details.   

Angela Conlan, Oxford Health Arts Partnership co-ordinator explained "It's been lovely to hear the patients talk about their memories, some of which we were able to incorporate into the painting.  For example the man with a flat cap is a member of staff's father who was also a patient here, and the two dogs are patients dogs. A boat is representative of a patients boat which she used to live on as well."

Katrina King, Ward manager at Abbey Ward explained, "Dionne the artist has been amazing, encouraging patients to get involved with the artwork, it has prompted memories of local people and places. The finished result is just fantastic and has transformed the day room into a very welcoming and pleasurable area."

Another member of staff also said "It’s beautiful, every day you notice something different."

Dionne gave each of the patients a postcard version of the mural for them to colour.  One patient proudly declared

 “I’m going to carry on with my art now Dionne has given me a set of watercolour pencils to keep- I never thought I could do it! It’s been really relaxing and I’ve loved it!”

Abbey Ward provides rehabilitation and palliative care for patients who require greater support than provided in their home environment.

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