NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has marked the end of Black History Month by announcing the commissioning of a giant mural at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) to celebrate diversity and promote the board’s commitment to reducing health inequality in black maternal health and baby outcomes.
The mural, being designed by Artisan Artworks, will be painted at the entrance to the maternity unit and will add to the city’s growing mural trails. It forms part of a collection of murals to help fight racism in the city. The latest piece of art has been arranged in partnership with Rachel Dallas, the activist behind Black Lives Matter murals in the south side.
The image represents a black mother and daughter from the local community and hopes to shine a light on the challenges facing black mothers and babies as well as ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes for minority communities.
The mural comes following widespread research which demonstrates that racial disparities exist in maternal healthcare across the UK. Jamie Redfern, director for Women and Children’s Services at NHSGGC, said: “As one of the largest maternity units in the country serving a diverse community, we recognise that more work needs to be done to help improve equity of care to black women and babies, not just in our city, but right across the country.
“The mural will be a great addition to Glasgow’s now famous trail and poignant reminder of the need for equity of care for all patients regardless of background.”
Dallas said: “This mural is a tribute to the women behind the statistics on racial disparities in maternal health. As a mixed black woman living in Glasgow, I hope it reminds all who enter the hospital – staff, patients, and visitors – of the right to equality of both health care and health outcomes, as well as providing a beautiful representation of the strength and resilience of motherhood.”
Frank Carty of Artisan Artworks added: “I am honoured to be painting this mural. I’m hoping it will provide a really positive focus for that part of the hospital.”
It is hoped the mural will be completed this week, depending on the weather.
