NHS stories inspire new poem celebrating 75 years of health service
NHS stories inspire new poem celebrating 75 years of health service
23 November 2023
Keith Jarrett’s poem, 'We Were One Of Many Voices', pays tribute to the extraordinary efforts of hospital workers and reflects on real-life experiences shared by staff at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
Keith read the poem in front of a live audience at Manchester’s Aviva Studios on 23 November as part of a special show featuring artistic performances inspired by healthcare staff across the country.
The performance marked the finale of a nationwide creative programme - Our National Health Stories - celebrating the important role of the arts in healthcare during this landmark year for the NHS.
“The thoughts, feelings and reflections of staff at our hospitals have inspired this beautiful poem. It's a wonderful way to mark 75 years of our NHS.”
Kate Pleydell, Arts Engagement Curator
Kate Pleydell, our Arts Engagement Curator, said: “We believe art and creativity are key to our health and wellbeing, which is why we’re proud to be part of this exciting national project celebrating the arts in healthcare.
“Earlier this year Keith spent time speaking with staff at our hospitals, and their thoughts, feelings and reflections about the health service have inspired this beautiful poem. It’s a wonderful way to mark 75 years of our NHS.”
Another of Keith’s poems, In Touch, was also chosen to be included in the national programme of events as well as our Held in Hope exhibition, which is currently on display at Charing Cross, Hammersmith and St Mary’s hospitals.
The exhibition showcases the work of six artists who each explore the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our hospitals and communities. Drawings and paintings by Thompson Hall and photographs by nurse Hannah Grace Deller (pictured above) feature in Held in Hope, alongside photographic collages by Bindi Vora, paintings by Susie Hamilton and silhouette portraits by Aida Silvestri.
You can visit the Our National Health Stories website to watch Keith perform his poem, In Touch, and hear our Art Curator Delphine Allier discussing the Held in Hope exhibition, along with many other artistic performances from across the country.
