Latest addition to Glasgow’s Mural Trail shines a light on health inequalities
A new mural has been officially unveiled at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, adding to Glasgow’s growing mural trail and raising awareness of health inequalities which exist in Scotland.
The Black mother and baby mural was developed in partnership between NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and local campaigner, Rachel Dallas. The mural marks NHSGGC’s own commitment to tackling health inequalities in maternal health and baby outcomes in the UK.
The 20 x 30ft design can be seen above the main entrance to the maternity unit on Wishart Street and features the image of a real mother and baby from the local community.
It comes following research which reveals significant racial disparity in maternal care and baby outcomes within Black and ethnic minority groups across the country. A number of partnership groups within NHSGGC are helping to drive forward and further reduce inequalities by promoting diversity in all areas of healthcare, including public health and staff messaging.
Jackie Sands, senior arts and health lead at NHSGGC, said: “Art plays a powerful role in helping raise awareness of major issues in captivating and thought provoking ways.
“The Black mother and baby mural unveiled today will feature in the landscape of Glasgow for years to come, shining a light on, and reminding people of the continued drive to reduce health inequalities – particularly for Black women and babies.
“NHSGGC is delighted to play host to such a mural and to play a part in helping reduce some of those inequalities which do exist.
“A huge thanks to Artisan Artworks for painting the mural and to Rachel Dallas for joint fundraising to make the mural possible.”
Campaigner, Rachel Dallas, said: “This mural is a tribute to the women behind the statistics on racial disparities in maternal health.
“As a mixed Black woman living in Glasgow, I hope it reminds all who enter the hospital (staff, patients, and visitors) of the right to equality of both health care and health outcomes, as well as providing a beautiful representation of the strength and resilience of motherhood.”
Frank Carty of Artisan Artworks, added: “I am honoured have been involved in painting this mural which it is hoped will highlight inequality in maternal care for Black mothers.
“The image should also be very welcoming and maternal to all visitors to the maternity Hospital, and I’m hoping it will provide a really positive focus for that part of the hospital.”