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.”
A memorable evening of Wine, Music and Song
Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the Wine, Music and Song event. With music spanning centuries, the evening was a celebration of music in its many different roles.
Arts in Care Homes Day: Thanking Bert Smith
This Arts in Care Homes Day, we’re taking the time to thank Moyness Care Home’s Activities Coordinator Bert Smith, who has championed live music for care homes in Dundee for over 30 years. As Bert approaches retirement, he is looking back on his career and years of work with Music in Hospitals & Care.
World Alzheimer’s Month: Lifting spirits in Cumbria
Our musician Andy McKay has been visiting wards and care homes across Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, where we have been able to share 29 hours of live music between September 2025 and May 2026. One of the spaces Andy visited is the Ramsey Unit at Furness General Hospital, an assessment unit for patients with organic illnesses such as dementia.