Meet Krystina Tyrtania – NHS Arts Apprentice

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke with Krystina, currently the only NHS arts apprentice in England, about her unique role at UCLH.

“I work with the art curator and assistant curator to provide a welcoming and uplifting environment for patients, visitors and staff at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust. We deliver a varied programme of exhibitions, events, workshops, performances, artist residencies and commissions – spanning art, music and dance.

“The purpose of my job is to improve staff and patient experience by promoting a relaxing and stimulating environment. Studies have shown that art in hospitals can contribute to positive patient outcomes – such as shorter recovery times and even reduced use of pain medication. For those who spend a long time in hospital, it can provide respite and an opportunity to engage in new creative activities.

“My day-to-day is very varied, which I love – there are always new opportunities to meet interesting people and contribute to exciting projects. So far, I've planned and delivered staff art workshops, organised exhibitions in the Street Gallery at University College Hospital, helped organise the staff choir, and coordinated artwork installations across our hospitals.

“It’s important that staff working in the NHS feel nurtured and cared for in the hospital environment, especially since COVID. We have a pioneering staff arts programme called Creative Comfort which aims to promote creative health and holistic wellbeing for all staff and volunteers working at UCLH, through offers like pottery courses and craft sessions. This helps staff to feel valued by the organisation and improves staff retention.

“I studied Fine Art at Manchester School of Art and graduated in 2020 during the pandemic. I really wanted to find an opportunity to continue my learning and development and, following an internship at a local gallery in Luton, I discovered this role. I knew I wanted to use my creative skills to help other people in the wake of COVID, so the opportunity to work in the growing field of arts in health was particularly appealing.

“An apprenticeship is a great route for those without a degree to get professional training and development whilst learning on the job. The course structure is self-led and involves a lot of reflective work.

“To anyone considering an apprenticeship in the NHS, I say go for it! It’s an incredible experience to work as part of such a large institution. You get to learn from leaders in their field and make a real difference to people’s experiences of care. I feel proud to be an employee of UCLH and honoured to do this job in this environment.”