DRAMA in the HOSPITAL

Healthcare systems are rife with cultural problems. Doctors are forced to work dangerously long hours, and are bullied by those more senior than them. Nurses often feel disrespected, have to deal with the stress of an emotionally challenging job, and also might work ridiculously long shifts. Non-medical staff, such as those behind the front desks, the cleaners, the cafeteria staff, are treated as lesser colleagues. These are all common occurrences in almost any hospital around the world. The issue of bullying is well known, but is kept silent behind the same veil of social abuse that has caused the problem in the first place.

Drama is usually a negative word. But here, in the arts, it speaks of passion and love, of conflict and resolution. It speaks of emotions and their release. It speaks of the power of human connection. Most healing practices are focused directly on those labelled as ‘patients’ (Dr Catherine) AM, has achieved incredible results in improving the culture of healthcare by focusing instead on the health and relationships of the healthcare providers. Her purpose? To transform healthcare culture through the arts. She has brought together artists from all walks of life - musicians, authors, illustrators, actors, poets and playwrights, to bring the arts into the world of healing.