Hospital mural highlights drive to cut maternal health inequalities

A giant mural of a black mother and daughter is being painted on to a hospital wall as part of a health board’s commitment to reducing health inequality for black women and their babies.

The mural, which has been designed by Artisan Artworks, is being painted at the entrance to the maternity unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI).

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde announced the commissioning of the mural as Black History Month 2022 draws to a close.

The artwork aims to highlight the challenges facing black mothers and babies, and ongoing work to improve the health outcomes for minority communities.

It comes following research which found that racial disparities exist in maternal healthcare across the UK.

Jamie Redfern, director for women and children’s services at NHSGGC, said: “We welcome the mural at the GRI.

“As one of the largest maternity units in the country serving a diverse community, we recognise that more work needs to be done to help improve equity of care to black women and babies, not just in our city, but right across the country.

“The mural will be a great addition to Glasgow’s now famous mural trail, and will act as poignant reminder of the need for equity of care for all patients, regardless of background.”

Last year a report from MBRRACE-UK, which examines deaths among pregnant women, new mothers and babies in the UK, found maternal death rates were almost four times higher for women from black ethnic backgrounds and almost two times higher for women from Asian ethnic backgrounds, compared to white women.

The design will add to the trail of murals in Glasgow and has been arranged in partnership with campaigner Rachel Dallas.

She said: “This mural is a tribute to the women behind the statistics on racial disparities in maternal health.

“As a mixed black woman living in Glasgow, I hope it reminds all who enter the hospital (staff, patients, and visitors) of the right to equality of both health care and health outcomes, as well as providing a beautiful representation of the strength and resilience of motherhood.”

It is hoped the mural will be completed this week, depending on the weather.

Frank Carty, of Artisan Artworks, said: “I am honoured to be painting this mural which it is hoped will highlight inequality in maternal care for black mothers.

“The image should also be very welcoming and maternal to all visitors to the Maternity Hospital, and I’m hoping it will provide a really positive focus for that part of the hospital.”