Kerrie Theodorikakos, an art therapy student at La Trobe University, found her experience at the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Spiritual and Pastoral Care Unit transformative.
During her placement, she used art therapy to support patients, including those with limited mobility, by developing innovative strategies such as the Lazy Susan Art Caddy.
This rotating organiser, designed for overbed tables, wheelchair trays, and desk easels, allowed patients to easily access and interchange art materials.
“It was incredible to see how much more confident and involved patients became when they realised they could manage the process themselves,” Theodorikakos said.
“This small tool created a big shift in how they approached artmaking.”
The Lazy Susan Art Caddy enabled patients to engage in art with minimal physical effort. For many, this accessibility led to sustained creative engagement, significantly improving their mood and overall hospital experience.
Advocacy through art
Theodorikakos emphasised the importance of collaboration. Partnering with the hospital’s Spiritual and Pastoral Care team and the Disability Liaison Team, she contributed to an initiative highlighting hidden disabilities. Together, they developed 3D sunflower craft DIY packs, distributed throughout the hospital. These packs gave patients a creative outlet to express their experiences with hidden disabilities, reflecting on their hospital journey.
The initiative aligns with the Victorian Government’s Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, which raises awareness about invisible disabilities such as chronic pain, mental health conditions, and neurological disorders. By wearing the sunflower, individuals can discreetly communicate their need for additional support in public spaces.
Globally, one in six people lives with a disability, many of which are invisible. These can include neurological, cognitive, sensory, physical, respiratory, and chronic health conditions. The sunflower packs offered patients a voice to articulate their lived experiences and how their hospital stay shaped their journey.
“Creating these sunflower pieces was a deeply personal process for many,” Theodorikakos said.
“It provided an outlet for patients to share their thoughts on hidden disabilities in ways words couldn’t capture.”
Art as empowerment
Theodorikakos worked closely with patients to create canvas artworks capturing their hospital journeys and experiences with hidden disabilities.
“It was about more than just creating art,” she said. “It was about advocacy and connection, empowering patients to feel seen and heard in a healthcare system that often overlooks the complexities of hidden disabilities.”
Reflecting on her time at the hospital, Theodorikakos remarked, “This placement has been life changing. It’s not only prepared me for clinical practice but also inspired me to explore how art therapy can make a difference in community-based settings. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful creativity can be in fostering healing and connection.”
The artworks created during her placement will be showcased in an exhibition at the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s ground foyer, outside the Organic Green Café. The exhibition will run to Friday, 14 December and is open weekdays from 8am to 4pm.
