Art of Life Enhances Palliative Care Spaces at Cavan General Hospital

Cavan General Hospital has unveiled ‘Art of Life’ installations within its palliative care family rooms and viewing room, creating more compassionate, calming, and dignified spaces for patients, families, and staff at some of the most sensitive moments of care. The Art of Life is a project that uses art and creativity to facilitate end-of-life discussions within communities through music, art, and facilitated conversations, helping to encourage future health planning and legacy preparation.

This latest initiative sees a specially commissioned Art of Life image by artist Kim Gaffney, created in collaboration with Cavan Older People’s Council and the South West Age Partnership, placed in these poignant spaces. A unique collage, created by hospital palliative care staff in a facilitated workshop with Kim Gaffney, also forms part of the display. The collaborative approach employed during this project ensured that the artwork reflects lived experience, empathy and the voices of older people, honouring care, dignity and connection at the later stages of life.

“Family rooms and viewing rooms play a vital role within palliative care settings. They are places where families gather, reflect, have difficult conversations, and say their final goodbyes. Inclusion of art in these areas such as Art of Life can soften these clinical environments, offering comfort, warmth, and a sense of peace during times of grief and transition,” said Creative Cavan Coordinator Sharon Howe.

End Of Life Care Coordinator, Cavan General Hospital Siobhán Kiernan adds, “We are very grateful to be part of the Art of Life project. These thoughtfully designed artworks enhance spaces that are deeply meaningful for families and staff. They help create an atmosphere of calm and dignity, supporting people at an incredibly difficult time in their lives.”

The Art of Life initiative reflects a growing recognition of the role the arts can play in health and wellbeing, particularly in palliative care. Creative interventions in healthcare environments have been shown to reduce stress, support emotional wellbeing and enhance the overall experience of care for patients, families and healthcare professionals. This element of Art of Life was delivered through collaboration between Cavan General Hospital and Creative Cavan - Cavan County Council and is funded by Creative Ireland’s Shared Island Initiative and Cavan County Council through Creative Cavan. 

Project partners include Cavan Age Friendly, South West Age Partnership, Cavan County Council’s Library Service, Libraries NI, Healthy Ireland at Your Library, Irish Hospice Foundation and Compassionate Communities NI.