Patients waiting in the eye room in the Day Procedure Unit at CRH might be forgiven for thinking they’re in an art gallery, as a fabulous painting of Consultant Graham McCollum and his operating department team was kindly donated last week by former patient, Alan Flood.

Artist Alan had eye surgery around 18 months ago under the care of Graham and he was so grateful to the whole team that he wanted paint a picture of Graham in the theatre.

At the presentation Alan said: “I really wanted to say thank you for the care and attention you all showed me. This procedure has been literally life-changing. I had strong memories of my conversations with Graham, and it was a real pleasure to paint."

Graham added: “I’ve never seen a picture of myself operating, never mind a painting! It is absolutely incredible, in fact I’m in awe. Alan really caught the close partnership I have with Alison (Mears-Sykes), my scrub nurse so well. In fact those who know Alison will recognise the very neat tray of implements in theatre.”

Alan’s work is included in many private collections across the world and he’s even added the painting to his website homepage.

Thank you to Alan for the very kind gesture.