Occupational Therapy student combines art and care in hospital photography exhibition

A University of Northampton (UON) Occupational Therapy student is using her passion for photography to bring moments of calm and inspiration to patients and staff at Bedford Hospital.

Diana Buzoianu, 49, originally from Romania, recently began her Occupational Therapy degree at UON after completing a BSc in Health and Social Care at Anglia Ruskin University. With a background in the arts and a lifelong love of photography inherited from her mother, a painter, Diana has found a way to merge her creative talents with her professional aspirations.

Her latest project—a gallery of nature and landscape photography – was born from a collaboration with hospital staff and is part of the Take heART creative health initiative to enhance the hospital environment through visual art, and Diana’s work was selected for its calming and uplifting qualities.

Diana is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society and the Society of Photographers, and her work has been shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards (2020), the British Photography Awards (2019). She has also been recognised as Landscape Photographer of the Year (2020) and Environmental Awareness Photographer of the Year (2021) by the Societies of Photographers.

She said: “I’ve been active in photography for over ten years and exhibited in various venues. But this project is different. It’s not just about the beauty of the image—it’s about what it can do for someone who may be going through a difficult time. If one person stops and feels a moment of peace, then it’s worth it.”

Diana sees it as a way to give back to the community and to explore how art can support wellbeing—an idea she hopes to develop further in her future career.

“I’d love to one day open a centre where people of all ages and abilities can explore art—whether through photography, painting, or other forms of expression,” she said. “For now, I’m focused on my studies and placements, but this project has shown me how powerful creative work can be in a healthcare setting.”

Unveiling of the exhibition coincided with last week’s Occupational Therapy Week, highlighting the diverse ways OT professionals can support holistic wellbeing. Diana added: “I just feel grateful to be part of something that brings joy and reflection to others. Art has meaning beyond aesthetics—it can heal, connect, and bring comfort.”

Dr Rachel Chater, Co-founder of Take heART and Clinical Psychologist, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful to Diana for collaborating with us and generously sharing her artwork to help enhance the hospital environment for patients, staff and visitors.

“We hope these wonderful images of nature, voted for by staff, will offer a moment of calm, in an environment that can so often feel busy, stressful and disorientating.”

You can see more of Diana’ work on Instagram, Facebook or Linkedin.

The Take heART creative health initiative was established by staff to enhance the wellbeing of everyone entering their hospitals, through the arts. For more information visit the Bedfordshire Hospital Trust website.