A specialist clinical pharmacist has created a geometric mural for a new innovation and research space in a Yorkshire hospital, an NHS trust announced this week (January 21). 

Saba Rifat, who works at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield where the mural is, has spent over two decades creating artwork through drawings, printmaking, installations and murals.  

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She is inspired by geometric shapes that reference historical Islamic patterns, according to her website. 

Her brief for the mural was “to create an artwork which celebrates innovation and inspires people who come in to use the space”. 

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“They wanted it to be colourful and to represent creativity and curiosity, while also maintaining a sense of fun,” she added. 

The mural is in in the ‘MY Innovation Space’ which was opened in October as a staff space and place for workshops with healthcare innovators at the hospital for Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust to “boost innovation and research” in the region. 

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It says the space will bring together “local businesses and entrepreneurs with clinical teams to cross fertilise ideas and improve business potential, in collaboration with the University of Huddersfield”. 

The NHS trust’s innovation manager Sarah Hall commissioned the mural from Rifat, and said it was “so special to have a piece of art created by a staff member for other staff to enjoy”.  

“It starts conversations between staff and creates a welcoming and energising environment,” she added.  

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“The finished piece has surpassed all our expectations. It just makes you feel happy and inspired when you look at it. You find that you notice something different each time you look at it, which is great,” said Hall. 

Rifat has previously had her work featured in other public spaces, including a 3,000-tile design for an underpass in the Yorkshire town of Dewsbury.