CW+ is delighted that its first Writer in Residence, Rebecca Goss, has been featured in The Lancet, one of the world’s leading medical journals. In a personal essay, Rebecca reflects on her work during the first phase of her residency, supporting patients through poetry and creative conversation in the oncology and haematology day unit at West Middlesex University Hospital.Â
Poetry on the unit
As part of the CW+ Arts for All programme, Rebecca visited the unit weekly over a three-month period to share poems, creative prompts and meaningful dialogue with patients undergoing treatment. Her approach offers moments of calm, connection and reflection during what can often be an isolating and emotionally challenging experience. The article highlights the breadth of these interactions – from patients rediscovering old poems and reciting Shakespeare from memory to spontaneous shared readings in the waiting room. Â
Reflecting on these encounters in her essay, Rebecca writes: ‘Although I was witness to the most personal of experiences, sitting one‑to‑one with someone, close to their body and their treatment, my conversations with patients rarely addressed being ill… A poem is a portal… I was allowed to glimpse the person, not the illness.’Â
The impact of the arts
Trystan Hawkins, Director of Patient and Environment at CW+, said: ‘Rebecca’s residency has shown how profoundly the arts can enhance the patient experience. Her presence brings warmth, humanity and moments of calm into busy clinical spaces. We are incredibly proud to see this important work recognised in The Lancet.’Â
Next phase in 2027
The second phase of Rebecca’s residency will take place in 2027, once the new Diagnostic, Treatment and Education Centre at West Mid has opened. Writing and creative work produced across both phases will provide CW+ with valuable insight into patient experience in both the old and new spaces, and the impact of the move on patients.
Watch a video on Rebecca’s residency.
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Help create patient-friendly spaces at West Mid’s new Diagnostic, Treatment and Education Centre.Â
