Sir – I write in response to the recent article which was based upon a Freedom of Information request by newspapers to discover the value of artwork, which is exhibited by the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Some of the artwork and photography within and around the hospitals is of immense consolation to patients who are seriously ill and receiving treatment that might save their lives.

There is great solace in discovering that in the context when you might die soon, first and foremost you are considered worthy of treatment.

And very close behind that, is the feeling that someone has thought about giving you something of beauty to marvel at.

I am sure that the beauty and wonder of the enormous photographs by Adrian Arbib that I walked past 50 times last year on my way to and from radiotherapy in the Churchill Hospital were as important to me as many other aspects of the superb care I received last year.

Thank you Adrian. Thank you hospital trust. Thank you NHS.

Of these and other artistic works around the hospital sites, it would be interesting to hear what other patients find important and resonant with their lives at the time when those lives are under threat. The financial value of these wonderful exhibits is of no importance at all.

Dr Peter Harbour
Abingdon