A HEALING arts initiative in a Teesside hospital has put it in the top three of a national healthcare award.

The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, was shortlisted in the outstanding use of arts category in the NHS Building Better Healthcare Awards, at Lords Cricket Ground.

The awards recognise the best in healthcare design and estates and facilities management. They were presented by Health Minister Lord Warner.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust was shortlisted with Mater Hospital Belfast Health and Social Services Trust and eventual winners, Salisbury Health Care NHS Trust.

Healing arts co-ordinator Margaret Baily said: "Of course, we're disappointed not to win as I believe this is a hospital we should be really proud of, but we do intend to take this initiative further.

"We now want to look deeper into the therapeutic use of art and are keen to instigate further patient workshops as well as tap into national events such as the Big Draw."

Published: 03/12/2004