THE subtler side of healing is being nurtured in a major project to incorporate art into the fabric of the Friarage Hospital at Northallerton.

A healing arts scheme and a £100,000 fundraising drive are being launched tomorrow, with the start of the hospital's multi-million pound redevelopment now imminent.

And the scheme has won the support of international artist Mackenzie Thorpe, who has agreed to be the project's patron.

He said: "The power of art to affect our sense of well-being and ultimately our health is well documented.

"When you watch people respond to art they do so in a deeply personal and at times unconscious way.

"Art provides pleasure and stimulates thoughts and emotions at times giving us a distraction or release from the challenges around us.

"A hospital can be cold and clinical to people who are possibly at their most vulnerable, therefore creating an environment which also nurtures inner unspoken needs, truly is a centre for health and healing."

Research has shown the thoughtful use of colours, light, art, texture and the performing arts can help a person's recovery and create a lasting impression to everyone who visits and works there.

At tomorrow's launch in the Hambleton Forum, a variety of displays will be on show to give people a flavour of things to come including a mini-exhibition by children from South Kilvington CE primary, who are currently involved in an arts project on Mackenzie Thorpe.

The chairman of the Friarage Hospital arts committee and non-executive director of the trust board, David Dobson, said: "The Friarage redevelopment has presented us with an ideal opportunity to really think about the design of the hospital.

"Of course we want to provide an excellent clinical environment for patients and staff but we are also keen to deliver a package of 'less traditional' care, enhancing the quality of care provided.

"Already £50,000 has been committed to the arts within the building project but we are conscious of the fact that NHS funding should be used for direct patient care rather than what some people would regard as the 'softer' areas of healthcare, which is the reason why we have set up this charity."