Sanctuary at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital

Scotland's first new, specifically designed, non-denominational Sanctuary is now open at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.  The Scottish Arts Council contributed £92,846 towards project costs of £173,750.

The Sanctuary was designed by leading Scottish artist, Donald Urquhart. Over a two-year period he worked in collaboration with the Chaplaincy team, projects managers Ginkgo Projects, staff and across the City’s faith communities to create a significant space for the hospital’s patients, staff and visitors.  The space is designed for reflection, solace and celebration either alone or with others.

Scotland’s first new specifically-designed non-denominational hospital Sanctuary was devised to develop an inclusive approach to spiritual care within the hospital. In the context of a wider programme of arts-led initiatives within the hospital, the space and commissioning process provides a platform for an exploration about art and its role within the healthcare environment.

The national importance of the Royal Infirmary has been represented by the commissioning of artists, craft makers and designers from all over Scotland to complete this unique and remarkable space.  To mark this achievement, a book and film have been produced which documents the space and records the process of design and implementation.  Copies are available from Tom Littlewood. 

'The concept of using the arts for ‘place making’, of designing an ethos for prayer and reflection into the very fabric of the space, for people of all faiths and none, has really worked well for us. We hope it will provide a model for others in the future.'

Sandy Young, Lead Chaplain for Lothian University Hospitals said:  'We are delighted that the hospital community has embraced the Sanctuary so wholeheartedly.  We have received many unsolicited, anonymous responses to the space, such as: 'what a beautiful place to sit and contemplate life', 'this is the best place in the whole hospital – where anyone can find peace of mind and soul'; 'it’s a relief to have somewhere to go where I don’t have to be strong.'