Your Hospital has Talent

A new art exhibition at York Hospital is showcasing the hidden talents and passions of NHS staff.

From photography to DJ-ing, baking to cycling and belly dancing to wedding planning, a whole host of talents of employees of York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have been revealed in an art exhibition entitled ‘Your Hospital’s Got Talent.’

The exhibition features the talents and passions of 36 staff members working across the Trust, from domestic assistants to doctors.

The idea for the exhibition originally came from Cardiology Consultant Sanjay Gupta.  Sanjay himself is an award winning photographer. Sanjay explained: “I learnt photography whilst I was undertaking a fellowship in advanced cardiac imaging in Boston, Massachusetts. Since then I have combined this hobby with my other passion which is travel.”

In 2011 Sanjay’s travel photography won him the prestigious national geographic traveller photographer of the year accolade and in 2013 he was a finalist in the wanderlust travel photographer of the year.

Jess Sharp, Art and Design Project Coordinator at the Trust, who organised the exhibition explained:  “We were delighted with the number of staff who got in touch with us to be part of this exhibition. It has been thoroughly inspiring to read the entries and to find out how creative our staff are – there is so much talent!

“Feedback from staff who have visited the exhibition is that have really enjoyed this glimpse into what people get up to outside of their working lives.”  

Jess herself is featured in the exhibition for her passion for guiding. She explained: “I began volunteering last year at Christ Church Guides, a new unit in Heworth.  It has been extremely rewarding to watch the girls grow in confidence as they develop within the unit and make new friendships. 

“Being a creative person, my skills are often utilised with craft activities and badges.  I still get the same excitement from being awarded a badge as I did back when I was a Guide all those years ago.”

The exhibition 'Your Hospital's got Talent' is now on display at York Hospital (Junction 7 corridor) until 1 September when it will move to Scarborough Hospital.

All entries can be viewed online at www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/talententries

19 August 2014