Launch of “This Never Happened II” collection of poetry and stories at Merlin Park University Hospital

The second collection of creative writing by patients in Units 5 and 6, Merlin Park University Hospital was launched on Tuesday 11 June by Poet Kevin Higgins. The book called “This Never Happened II” is a collection of poetry and stories by patients, staff and visitors to Galway University Hospitals.
 
The creative writing programme at the hospital is now in its tenth year and continues to be facilitated by Writer in Residence, Kevin Higgins who was appointed in 2007. Arts Director, Margaret Flannery says, “Kevin Higgins, Writer in Residence continues to work his magic and create a welcoming space for participants to attend where he promotes a reflective space for individuals to explore their creativity. The result is this delightful collection of poetry and short stories.”
 
The arts programme in Units 5 and 6 at Merlin Park University Hospital forms an important part of the Galway University Hospital Arts Trust’s work in GUH.
 
In addition to the launch of the new book, children from two local national schools - Scoil Íde in Salthill and Scoil Mhuire in Clarinbridge – attended the event and performed songs, dance and read their poetry and stories as part of an inter-generational project. Kevin Higgins holds creative writing workshops in these schools based on works by patients in Units 5 and 6 and then in turn the children are invited to write poems which are read to the patients in Merlin Park. This has become a highlight of the year for the patients of Units 5 and 6 who look forward to the joy brought to the unit by these children every year.
 
The aim of the Galway University Hospitals Arts Trust is to support and enhance the patient environment in University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital. Margaret Flannery, Arts Officer concludes, “We believe that involving the arts in the healing process promotes the wellbeing of patients staff and visitors to the hospital. For further information on this project and or the arts programme in Galway University Hospitals please contact me at 091 544979 or Margaret.Flannery@hse.ie”.
 
Photo Details:
At the launch of “This Never Happened II”, a collection of poetry and stories by patients, staff and visitors to Galway University Hospitals, on Tuesday 11 June from left: Kevin Higgins, Writer in Residence, GUH; Madeline Moloney, Unit 5 resident and contributor to the book; Fiona Falvey, GUH staff and contributor to the book; and Dr Oscar De Souza, Tirellan, former resident and contributor to the book.