On April 16, the hospital launched Art Beat, an exhibition of prints including the work of Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, Bill Henson and Charles Blackman.

The prints, paintings and other works, which line the walls of the centre, aim to promote the importance of art in the health-care environment and its potential healing effects.

Southern Health Art Gallery curator Rebecca Lovitt said physical environments affected patients' wellbeing and art could make a difference in hospitals in the way patients enjoyed their space.

"It makes the hospital environment seem less intimidating and can serve

as a distraction," she said.

Dr Doug Kagi, who donated a number of artworks to Southern Health including paintings and prints by Nolan and Boyd, said art brightened up hospitals and gave patients, family members and staff something interesting to look at.

Southern Health plans to host future exhibitions, community activities and lunchtime music concerts.