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HeART of HealthCARE

“I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” – Georgia O’Keefe

Our Virtual Gallery

Welcome to the
Patients for Patient Safety Canada
Virtual Art Gallery

Few people understand what patient safety is and even fewer know how to engage as partners in their healthcare to ensure a safe journey. That’s understandable.

Patients for Patient Safety Canada recognizes the unique power of art in drawing attention to patient safety, the impact of preventable harm, and the essential role of patients, families and communities as partners in care. The Gallery was launched in 2020 with the goal to inspire action towards safer care.

Virt­ual Art Gall­ery

Virtual Art

Gallery

The Gallery includes works in various media: paintings, fibre art, poetry, stories, sculpture, dance, and music. The art was created by patients, healthcare workers, leaders, and patient safety supporters from every walk of life. Not all the contributors are artists.

Click on the links below to explore the galleries.

We know from evidence and experience that people react to art with curiosity, enjoyment, and stimulation. Art can be thought-provoking and therapeutic. It can also be distressing. If that is the case, see more information below.

You may be wondering where you can learn more about patient safety and access resources to help you and your loved ones have a safer care experience. Start here. If you’re ready to do something to improve safety, email us at hello@patients4safety.ca. We welcome your impressions, ideas and suggestions.

“Art making has the ability to move people along their journey of grief and loss into a more balanced place of healing and hope. In the face of tragedy, the creative process can help re-calibrate a mourner’s life.”
The Chandler Gallery at Maud Morgan Arts, Cambridge, MA

Forward a link to this page to anyone who may benefit from the healing power of art.

Tips and support
for a positive experience
in the virtual art gallery
  • Pay attention to your emotions – take breaks any time you need them for as long as you need them
  • Be gentle and compassionate with yourself– think or write positive and supportive thoughts
  • Distract yourself from repeatedly replaying distressing events by doing something positive (play a song, exercise, talk to someone)
  • Focus on what you can control – make a list of what you can control and focus on one item
  • Practice gratitude – think about what you learned and gained from the experience
  • Mental health support: get help – Canada.ca
  • First Nations and Inuit Health regional office
  • Find Your CMHA – CMHA National