A NUMBER of pieces of art have been unveiled at Malvern Community Hospital.

The programme of work at the Worcester Road facility aims to improve clinical outcomes by making the environment more patient-friendly, improving the working environment, providing a little escapism and enhancing positive thinking.

One of the most prominent works is a striking and abstract oil painting by local artist David Prentice, which features in the main reception. It is called An English Air and was inspired by one of his many walks on the Malvern Hills.

Speaking about his donation, Mr Prentice said: “It’s a way of ingratiating myself in the hope they look after me. It’s fairly abstract, so it will be interesting to see what sort of reaction it gets.”

Project coordinator for NHS Worcestershire, Sonia Spur, said: “We are very pleased and honoured to receive this piece of artwork and look forward to the local people being able to see David’s work on a daily basis when they attend the hospital.

“All the art work in the hospital reflects Malvern and the local environment to enhance a patient’s stay here at Malvern Community Hospital and has forged links to local artists and craftsmen.

“We are so pleased to enable the hospital to have a display of artwork from local, national and internationally renowned artists and that an environment has been created that is beneficial to the patients, their families, carers and staff of the hospital.”

Other commissions brightening up the hospital include a sculpture by Peter Yarwood, a bench by Nigel Ross and a glass piece by Rowan McOnegal.