These Are The Hands
These Are The Hands is a photographic project by Tony Davis, who was Artist in Residence at Oxford University Hospitals from June 2014 - June 2015.
Tony worked with staff and patients through all the Trust's hospitals to make a photographic study focusing on hands.
The project engaged with staff from all aspects of hospital life and reflected their myriad roles in supporting and helping patients throughout their care. It took its name from a poem by Michael Rosen created for the NHS which is reproduced below.
These Are The Hands by Michael Rosen
These are the hands
That touch us first
Feel your head
Find the pulse
And make your bed.
These are the hands
That tap your back
Test the skin
Hold your arm
Wheel the bin
Change the bulb
Fix the drip
Pour the jug
Replace your hip.
These are the hands
That fill the bath
Mop the floor
Flick the switch
Soothe the sore
Burn the swabs
Give us a jab
Throw out sharps
Design the lab.
And these are the hands
That stop the leaks
Empty the pan
Wipe the pipes
Carry the can
Clamp the veins
Make the cast
Log the dose
And touch us last
