This year Annie Summers and Helen Wilding have become our first resident musicians at Coventry Hospital. The partnership signifies University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust’s commitment to making live music an important part of patient experience. Violinist Helen and guitarist and harpist Annie share uplifting live music in the oncology (cancer care) and paediatric (children’s) wards once a month.
“This was a great activity for the ward. It was so relaxing and soothing for staff, children, and parents. It helped to reduce anxiety for parents trying to get their baby to sleep in a strange environment. Great for patients who have additional needs and bringing calmness from the gentle soothing music for all on the ward to appreciate.”
“A wide variety of reactions, from moving feet under bedsheets to one bay where all four men clapped and called out enthusiastically. Staff and visitors were very complimentary. It was amazing to see the difference 10 minutes made from walking into a bay of seemingly comatose people, to the alert, smiling faces.”
Supporter spotlight: Robin and Anne Barr
Robin and Anne have supported Music in Hospitals & Care in Scotland for many years. Robin was awarded Charity Champion in 2019 at the Scottish Power Foundation Awards. We hear from Robin about their connection to the charity.
An unforgettable evening of wine, music and song
Join us on Thursday 24 September at the historic St James Garlickhythe Church in central London for a very special evening of live music. Guests will enjoy wine and canapés from 6:30pm, with music starting at 7:30pm until around 9:20pm.
Celebrating Make Music Day with more interactive Music Jams
Our Music Jam initiative is due to be rolled out to hospitals across the UK after demonstrating for more than a decade the positive impact it has on the mental health and wellbeing of patients in Edinburgh.