Winning photographers visit NRC to see their artwork in situ for the first time | Latest news

Staff from Nottingham University Hospitals, university students and faculty members from across the East Midlands who won a unique photography competition have visited country’s first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) to see their photographs on the walls.

Dozens of photographs were submitted as part of a black-and-white photography competition which focussed on the theme of ‘motivation’ and the NRC’s tagline ‘Turning Adversity into Opportunity’.

The competition was launched during the construction of the centre to help create an uplifting environment that supports recovery and wellbeing.

Just 20 final images were selected by a judging panel to be professionally printed, framed, and displayed in rooms and corridor spaces throughout the NRC building, thanks to funding from the Nottingham Hospitals Charity.  

Seven of the selected artists visited the NRC to see their work in situ, and for a tour of the centre where their photographs are helping to create a welcoming and inspiring environment.

Sandy Walsh, Head of Operations at the NRC, explained that the images have been a great talking point for patients, staff and visitors, with people discussing their favourite images throughout the building.

She said: “Many of our patients at the NRC are with us for weeks or even months as they receive intensive rehabilitation with the aim of returning to live independent lives, and the rehabilitation journey can be a tough one at times.

“Therefore, it is important that we have an uplifting environment for our patients, staff and visitors to enjoy during their stay with us. The beautiful black and white photographs throughout the building, and the motivational quotes that sit alongside the images, significantly help with creating that environment.

“Thank you again to everyone who submitted photographs as part of the competition, and congratulations to the artists who were successful.”

Nigel Gregory, Chief Executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said:

"Nottingham Hospitals Charity is proud to have funded the display of these beautiful photographs throughout the National Rehabilitation Centre.

"It's wonderful to see local photographers playing such an important role in making the NRC feel like more than just a healthcare building."

List of successful photographers:

·       Madelaine Jagger (Loughborough University student)

·       Roby Cherian (NUH staff member - Senior Healthcare Assistant)

·       Heleena Waltham (NUH staff member - Senior Legal Advisor)

·       Lucy Jordan (Loughborough University student)

·       Sean Cotterill (NUH staff member – Pharmacy Lead Technician)

·       Renata Towlson – 3 images selected (NUH staff member - Senior Interpreting and Translation Services Innovation Lead)

·       Frederick Poto – (NUH staff member – Radiographer)

·       Matthew Holliday – 2 images selected (NUH staff member - Medicines Management Technician)

·       Zak Towlson (NUH staff member - Senior ITS Innovation Lead)

·       Sadie Honeysett (NUH staff member – Staff Nurse)

·       Anisa Haque (Loughborough University student)

·       Professor Dileep N Lobo (University of Nottingham staff member)

·       Lucy Knight – 3 images selected (NUH staff member – Arts Co-ordinator)

·       Alistair Morris – 2 images selected (NUH staff member – Research Practitioner)

About the National Rehabilitation Centre

The National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) is a 70-bed, purpose-built and highly energy efficient new facility which was built as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme and opened in September 2026.  The specialist NHS facility is located on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough, home to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre which opened in 2018. 

In addition to providing excellent patient care, the NRC is also a national hub for innovation, cutting-edge research and development, and training and education.

Arts at NUH is NUH’s award-winning arts programme. Through participatory arts and performance, exhibitions and commissions, it enhances the wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors. Arts in healthcare settings supports a holistic approach to rehabilitation, reduces stress and helps create environments of care and compassion. 

Arts at NUH is supported through Nottingham Hospitals Charity and completely funded by your donations. Please support us to continue this fantastic work, visit www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk/arts-nrc to find out more and donate

About Nottingham Hospitals Charity

Nottingham Hospitals Charity has raised over £65 million over the past 19 years to support patients, families, carers and staff at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s Queen’s Medical Centre, City Hospital, Ropewalk House and National Rehabilitation Centre campuses.

Our visionis to create the best possible NHS care and facilities at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, to benefit the people of the East Midlands and beyond.

Donations to the are used to improve patient care, enhance the hospital environment, fund cutting-edge medical research, purchase specialist, state-of-the-art medical equipment, and provide staff wellbeing and development programmes.

Nottingham Hospitals Charity works closely with NUH NHS Trust to fund projects that will have the greatest and most positive impact on patients, families, carers and staff.

The Charity, along with NUH Trust, is marking its 20th anniversary year in 2026 – celebrating the impact of our donations, raising awareness of the Charity, and thanking the people who have supported us over the past 20 years.

Our registered charity number is 1165397.