A 'BLAND and depressing' hospital is being transformed thanks to the work of patients and volunteers.

The Design in the Dale group is working to improve the health and wellbeing of those in Leverndale Hospital.

And their latest move has been to unveil a stunning new mural on the site.

Samantha Flower, Care Group Occupational Therapist and NHS project lead for this work, said: “When I am out and about everyone comments on how peaceful the site is.

"People are amazed by the mural and regularly stop to admire it as it has taken shape."

Glasgow Times: Leverndale mural

Health bosses are seeking to improve indoor and outdoor spaces; increase greenspace and biodiversity; and improve the environment for patients, staff and the local community.

The Design in the Dale group, which includes service users, carers, third sector providers, staff and volunteers has been working over a number of years to improve the health and wellbeing of people on site through arts and health activities.

Described by one service user as ‘bland and depressing’, with one ward in particular seen as being drab and uninviting, one of the aims of the project was to provide a more appropriate setting to treat those affected by mental ill-health.

The current landscaping project has already addressed many of the issues raised, radically improving the greenspace of the facility in the South Side of the city.

Glasgow Times: Leverndale mural

Working with Urban Roots, corporate volunteers, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and landscape designers, Erz, among others, the work has been shaped by people who use the site.

Lead artist, Lindsay Perth @Lippi spent time working with those who use the facility to gather their opinions and designs, many of which have been incorporated in the final work.

The gable end mural was designed by Lindsay based on feedback from people and the final design was opened up to a vote with every person on site being given the opportunity to cast their vote.

Lindsay said: “The mural can be seen from several points on site.

"The gable end has been turned into a mindful landscape scene in a bold graphic style with a soft blended sunrise using the colour palette that links the tiles and the seats.

Glasgow Times:

"The mural has a horizon, a visual path through the rolling hills and a bird in flight hovers in the sky above the rising sun.”

The project, which will develop further in the coming months, includes an outdoor seated area for Recreational Therapy.

Lucy Dolan, a nurse in Perinatal Services, likes to eat her lunch there.

She said: “It’s nice and relaxing - it’s a good place for people to bring visiting relatives, who have commented on the nice colours.”

Funding for the project has been secured from Volunteer Services Scotland, Smarter Choices Smarter Places, Creative Scotland, The Green Exercise Partnership and the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Glasgow City HSCP Endowment funds.

Hazel Thomson, Inpatient Services Manager, said: “The upgrading of the paths and walkways around the site has really been the first step in enhancing access and promoting full use of this large hospital site.

"There has been significant investment into planting of trees, shrubs and wild flowers across the site and seating areas have been introduced.

"The mural is spectacular and has been a huge hit.”