Over the past 15 years, French Hospital has strategically displayed distinguished artwork throughout the facility and outdoor spaces to promote healing and well-being for staff, patients, and their loved ones. The new Forbes Family Photo Gallery is another example of French Hospital going beyond the traditional hospital setting. The effect is mesmerizing and entices people to take a moment of pause to enjoy the images as they take a photographic journey through nature.

This unique gallery utilizes beautiful photos, both print and digital, donated by Bert and Bryn Forbes, who have been making striking photographs for years. Bert originally donated photographic artwork to display throughout the hospital many years ago, which motivated the hospital to continue to do more.

The Forbes Family Photo Gallery is located in a much-traveled corridor of the Cardiac Care Center wing of the hospital. The gallery with both prints on acrylic panels and changing images on digital displays provides staff, visitors and patients the opportunity to see hundreds of different photos over time.

“Our love for nature and photography, combined with our deep support of French Hospital, is what inspired this graphic art display,” says Bert Forbes. “We enjoy sharing our artwork, to enhance the serenity of the environment for staff, patients, and family members. If we can put our passion to purpose, and help others along the way, we feel the partnership is mutually beneficial.”

Bert and Candace Forbes were one of three San Luis Obispo families who donated to French Hospital Medical Center to contribute to the creation of the innovative and nationally recognized Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center.

“We are honored to unveil this special photo gallery as part of the Beyond Health movement at French Hospital,” says President and CEO Alan Iftiniuk. “The hospital is forever grateful to the Forbes family for their generosity and support of the hospital over many years.”

Studies have shown that providing serene spaces in a hospital setting can promote healing for patients and reduce stress for health care workers. This gallery will bring joy and peace to our health care workers during this time of crisis and uncertainty, as well as for years to come.

About French Hospital Medical Center

French Hospital Medical Center, located in San Luis Obispo, California, is rated among the top hospitals in the nation.  The Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center provides the latest innovative cardiac and imaging technology, and is home to the Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families. French is a Dignity Health Central Coast hospital which also includes Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, CA, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, CA, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, CA and St. John’s Pleasant Valley in Camarillo, CA. Dignity Health Central Coast is an integrated network of top quality hospitals, physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services, including primary care offices, premier surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories, imaging centers and a full service home health agency; all recognized for quality, safety and service.  Learn more at www.frenchmedicalcenter.org.