News & Views
Art in Practice Art has healing properties and when it comes to artworks by patients, it also has an enormous community benefit. A general practice waiting-room is a perfect place to display the creative talents of patients, according to Dr Pradeep Jayasuriya. Works of art in different styles and mediums line the walls of his Belgravia Surgery in Cloverdale with plenty of positive spin-offs for both patients and staff. “We redesigned the entire space and it looks much more like an art gallery than a place where people come to see their doctor. Patients walk around, look at the art and talk with each other. People have got their heads up rather than staring down at a magazine and they’re more engaged.”
“Sometimes I’d be given a work of art, it’d be sitting there and a patient would comment how wonderful it was. So I thought it’d be rather nice if the artists had the opportunity to hear it for themselves.” “We created the gallery as a way of celebrating our patients’ talents in a caring environment. It’s had a great response on a wider level because, naturally enough, the artists are known to many of their fellow patients. In many cases it’s only one or two degrees of separation between the artist and the viewer.” The gallery began in March and a second exhibition is launching soon.
“I’ve noticed a big difference when a patient walks in for their consultation. The art is a talking point and often our first conversation is about a painting rather than how terrible they feel. Our entire workplace has a different feel and it’s much more uplifting for everyone.”
“We plan to rotate the paintings every three months and many of the artworks are for sale. In our first exhibition we sold about 90% of the paintings. When we hang a picture, we ask the artist to write a little story and that gives an added personal touch.”
Pradeep has had longstanding relationships with many patients in a practice spanning two decades, so it wasn’t entirely surprising that he uncovered hidden creative talents.
“From a health point of view it’s something we, as health professionals, should be tapping into and promoting. Health needs to be seen in a wider context. I’m sure the art gallery
Dr Pradeep Jayasuriya admires artworks in his waiting room. Picture: Courtesy Community Newspapers Group
has had a positive impact and it’s been an important way to build relationships within our community. As GPs we need to step outside our boundaries and it can be so satisfying when we do.”
By Mr Peter McClelland
Dr Sanjay Nadkarni MBBS, FRANZCR,FRCR,FCP,MRCP, DA 221 Stirling Highway, Claremont 6010 T: (08) 92842900 F: (08) 93845725 M: 0410407044 To see a full list of services provided: www.endovascularwa.com.au | www.newlifeclinic.com.au
Dr Sanjay Nadkarni is one of Perth’s most experienced specialists in the minimally invasive outpatient management of varicose veins. The full gamut of cutting edge endovenous techniques including Endovenous Laser (EVLA) , Ambulatory phlebectomy, Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy and Microsclerotherapy are performed in our “walk in–walk out” purpose built Claremont clinic.
PRE & POST LASER
PRE & POST PHLEBECTOMY
Endovascular WA is your “one stop shop” for the diagnosis (Doppler Venous incompetence studies) and management (Treatment, clinical and ultrasound follow up) of varicose veins. Call our friendly reception staff on (08) 9284 2900 to book your consultation. PRE & POST SCLEROTHERAPY
MEDICAL FORUM
DECEMBER 2015 | 51