A Northumbria Primary Care (NPC) GP has contributed to a new photography installation now on display at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSECH), helping to shine a spotlight on men’s health and wellbeing.
The exhibition, led by Japanese-born, North East-based artist and photographer Ikuko Tsuchiya, features portraits and personal stories from 12 male staff members from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The installation aims to encourage open conversations around men’s physical and mental health, and to challenge stigma by sharing lived experiences and practical wellbeing strategies.
Among those featured is Dr David Cummins, GP at NPC Lintonville, who also works as a Clinical Lead in Planned Care and Sustainability for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board.
NPC is a not-for-profit, at-scale provider of primary care services in Northumberland and North Tyneside.
In his portrait, Dr Cummins is photographed running, reflecting the role nature and exercise play in supporting his wellbeing.
Dr Cummins said:
“Running in nature brings clarity and purpose to my day. It frees up space in my mind and allows me to tackle difficult tasks more easily. It offers me freedom. It makes me smile, and it adds life to my day.”
The project was organised by Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity, Northumbria Healthcare’s official charity, through its Healing Arts Programme.
Katie Dawson, Healing arts programme manager, said:
“We’re very proud of the staff who shared their stories, helping us to communicate powerful messages about health and wellbeing through art.”
The exhibition has opened at The Northumbria hospital in Cramlington, and encourages men to talk more openly about health and seek support earlier.
Ikuko Tsuchiya, who led the photography for the project, said she hopes the portraits will act as “a catalyst for dialogue” around the importance of men’s health.
The project was organised by Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity, Northumbria Healthcare’s official charity, through its Healing Arts Programme.