Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Isolation Units Receive a Makeover Thanks to Student Art Projects

Aspen Heights British School Students Send Artistic Messages of Support to Patients and Caregivers

​Caregivers at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the Mubadala network, have received a well-deserved morale boost from a delivery of art made by local students to express their support. 

Students at Aspen Heights British School, part of International Schools Partnership, created a range of paintings to brighten up the surroundings of patients and caregivers who are working round the clock to beat COVID-19. The paintings will hang on Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s isolation floors.

“We want to share a positive message of healing and strength with those recovering from COVID-19. We want patients and caregivers at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to know that Aspen Heights are thinking of them, and sending positive messages of hope and strength through this artwork that we hope will brighten their day during this difficult time,” says Emma Shanahan, Principal of Aspen Heights British School in Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi. 

Art plays an important role in the Cleveland Clinic model of care, helping to promote an atmosphere of healing. In order to meet the hospital’s strict infection control regulations, each painting has been laminated, allowing it to be disinfected before entering the hospital as well as during routine cleaning rounds while they hang on the walls of the hospital’s dedicated isolation floors.

“We are very grateful for this wonderful gesture of support from our community. These paintings have transformed our isolation units, providing a great source of hope and motivation for our caregivers who are working hard to beat this disease and supporting our patients who are fighting it while separated from their friends and family,” says Sue Behrens, Chief Clinical and Nursing Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. 

Two sisters from Aspen Heights British School, Keira and Khloe Ucat, aged 13 and 11 collaborated on a piece inspired by their favorite film. The wildcat represents the fighting spirit of those confronting the current pandemic with the yellow lights standing for the hope.

“We wanted to support and encourage front-liners and patients during this tough time. We wanted them to know that we’re all in this together and that we are supporting them by staying at home to prevent the spread of the disease. Tough times won't last but tough people do,” said Keira.