A hospital director is the latest executive to get in touch with his artistic side as part of the Artists Open Houses.

Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital is an official sponsor of the Artists Open Houses this year.

And Geoff Bailey, director of the Woodingdean private hospital, is exhibiting his work after taking up photography five years ago.

Nuffield is also sponsoring the festival after research by the Health and Arts Council England acknowledged the arts have an important part to play in improving the health and wellbeing of patients.

American Express director Tony Mills and My Special PA founder Emma de Polnay are other businesspeople- turned-artists exhibiting this year.

Geoff said: “My daughter said ‘Your photographs are okay but they’re not art’. She’s my biggest critic and she’s probably right.

“I love local photographs which make a record of a particular place at a particular time.

“Most of my shots are of people. I like to call it Geoffarazzi.

“When it comes to exhibiting my own photos I’m not overflowing with confidence but the feedback has been encouraging.

“Photography is a great distraction from work and a great way to switch off.”

The private hospital is offering wall space and grounds to artists to show and sell their work.

The hospital’s open house will feature a variety of works, including photography and prints, with visitors able to enjoy the sculpture garden, including work by Jon Mills and Jamie McCartney.

Work will also be provided by Maddy McClellan, Dawn Stacey, Vanessa Rattray and Joanna Keeling among others.

Judy Stevens, creator of Artists Open Houses added: “Artists Open Houses has grown year on year and we have some amazing talent involved.

“We are delighted that theAOHcommunity has this opportunity to exhibit and sell their work in the hospital and its huge grounds with fantastic views across the downs.”

Nuffield has undergone a £7 million refurbishment with light and airy space and expansive grounds with unrivalled views over the South Downs towards the sea.

The hospital will be open to the public daily throughout May, from 12pm–8pm.