We have been sharing weekly live music in the intensive care unit at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen. Singer and guitarist Gareth Cornfield recently shared a moving moment with a family following the passing of their loved one.
“I was asked by a nurse to play for a gentleman who was unconscious. While I was playing, they closed the doors in the corridor as there was a patient who was nearing the end.
Soon, I was told that I could go to the rest of the unit. As I was moving on, I was stopped by a group of visitors and they asked what I was doing. They were very interested in Music in Hospitals & Care’s work. The young man told me he played guitar so I gave him mine to play. As we talked, I realised that they were the family of the person who had been taken away. They shared that he was being prepared for organ donation.
I went back to his bed area with the family and we talked about their love of music and their late father and husband,
who was an AC/DC fan. We talked about their memories with him at gigs, and how they had one booked for this weekend to see an artist for the 25th time. The son played some songs that he and his father enjoyed playing, and some they had written together.
His wife commented that it should be a horrible time, but we were laughing and reminiscing about her late husband. She said how grateful she was for my input. We only stopped when they
were taken away as he was now ready. I consider it an honour to have been able to be of some comfort to them at such a traumatic time.”
Intensive care units are places where families often face some of life’s most difficult moments. Through the power of live music, our musicians bring connection and support when it is needed most.
Building partnerships for the future
Read about some of the recent ways we’ve been working in partnership with funders, researchers and NHS trusts across the UK to make your support go further.
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.