‘Menu Of Poems’ to Brighten Up 12,000 Patient, Staff, and Visitor Journeys Across Ireland This November

A Menu of Poems will be distributed this November throughout various Irish hospital wards, waiting rooms, and other healthcare settings for patients, staff, and visitors to enjoy.

The poetry, circulated on trays during mealtimes, aims to provide comfort, inspiration, and a moment of reflection for patients in particular. Organisers expect over 12,000 people to engage with the specially curated poetry for this year’s programme.  This year’s selection is edited by award winning Irish Poet Jane Clarke and includes three poems by renowned poets Eva Bourke, Jane Clarke, and Joy Harjo. Jane has also selected a poem for children by Linda McGrory.

Launched in 2008, the Menu of Poems has positively impacted the lives of both patients and healthcare professionals across Ireland. It is produced by Saolta Arts on behalf of Arts and Health Coordinators Ireland, with support from Poetry Ireland and HSE Health Promotion and Improvement.

Arts and Health as a practice provides enriching art experiences for patients and individuals in healthcare settings. These experiences enhance patient journeys by reducing stress, fostering connections, and brightening up people’s journeys in healthcare environments.

Margaret Flannery, Arts Director at Saolta Arts, said, “The Menu of Poems is not just about sharing poetry; it's about creating moments of joy and reflection in the midst of challenging times. We have delivered this initiative many times and the feedback is incredible. We know that art has the power to provide solace and support, and we are excited to bring this initiative to patients, staff, and visitors in many hospitals across Ireland this November.”

Jane Clarke, Menu of Poems Editor 2024, said, I love the Menu of Poems project; that people in hospitals and healthcare settings around the country will find poems waiting for them this November.. I enjoyed choosing the poems and I hope that reading and rereading them will give pleasure, solace and companionship. A poem may be small but the words create music and pictures that echo in our minds for as long as we need them.”

For more information on the Menu of Poems project and if your hospital or healthcare facility would like to take part email saoltaarts@hse.ie 

Downloadable version and recordings available at: https://saoltaarts.com/stories/menu-of-poems/

Photo Caption
Michelle Greer, Aramark Catering Assistant at University Hospital Galway with the Menu of Poems 2024.