Tree of life ‘leaves’ Barnsley ward feeling inspired

A piece of arboreal artwork is helping people with neurological conditions to find hope for the future.

Inspired by a suggestion from the Trust’s deputy director of nursing, quality and professions Amy Hartley, staff on our neurological rehabilitation unit in Barnsley have created a ‘tree of life’ – a mural-style piece of artwork depicting a tree with strong roots and bright blooming leaves.

The tree of life helps service users to visualise something which represents life and the various elements that make it up – something which is significant in people with a brain injury.

Anne Massey, a returning staff nurse who recently retired from her post as clinical lead nurse on the unit, took on the challenge of giving the tree roots and bringing it to life. Anne, who achieved a degree in art before becoming a nurse, was excited by the idea of creating something that would support patients and their families in their recovery.

The first branches of the tree came from a young patient admitted to the unit for rehabilitation after a brain injury. Following a journey of rehabilitation and recovery over the last 16 months, the patient is now ready to be discharged.

To Anne’s surprise, when she came back to work after a few days off, two other patients had also added to the tree.

Associate director for nursing and professions Sophie Hempsall said: “The tree of life is a lovely addition to the ward. All the patients’ messages can be seen by other patients and their families, who can take comfort from people who are at different points in their rehabilitation and recovery journey.”