Life in hospital gets unusual treatment

4:22pm Wednesday 22nd November 2000

THE public foyer of Greenwich Hospital became an art gallery for three weeks with an exhibition by photographer Jagtar Semplay.

The display, called Microcosm, explored hospital images such as workers, patients and visitors.

The unusual setting for the exhibition, in the foyer of the Vanbrugh Hill facility, was considered appropriate for the work which is part of Greenwich Healthcare NHS Trusts Flash Festival of photography.

The photographs have caused quite a stir among hospital staff and patients alike.

Greenwich Healthcare director of communications, Linda Marsh said: We gave Jagtar full access to the whole hospital for three days, even to parts we wouldnt normally allow to be photographed.

The results have been absolutely superb. It has caused interest not just from the patients but also from the staff.

The artist is also delighted with the way his work has been received.

He said: I set out to try and show a different side to what people think a hospital is all about.

I tried to push the boundaries and be a bit cheeky with some photographs and the response has been superb from everyone who has seen them.

Although the exhibition has finished, there will be another chance to view Semplays work when the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich opens in the spring.