Artworks rehung on hospital walls

Dunedin Hospital aesthetic co-ordinator Barbara Brinsley sits in the hospital foyer yesterday next to newly rehung works of art which were removed during the hospital's ongoing refurbishment.

The five pieces were taken down six months ago during ceiling and lighting reconstruction to make way for a wall-mounted television.

They include two pieces by the late Ralph Hotere and three by English-born artist the late Dame Eileen Mayo.

Mrs Brinsley, who was a nurse for almost 50 years, said art could greatly improve the mood of patients.

''It can be the difference between someone feeling well or unwell.''

These works, as well as the dozens of others lining the hospital walls, are owned by the Health Care Otago Charitable Trust.

Other works in the collection did not have to be removed during the refurbishment.

- Jono Edwards