Live music in hospitals and care homes can make a huge difference to people’s wellbeing.
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC DAY
October 1 2024 is International Music Day, which seemed a great time for Kirsty Richmond, Stories and Media Officer at Music in Hospitals, to tell us more.
Imagine a world without music. No tapping of a finger or slight swaying to a beat. No smiles or singing along to every word. This is the reality for many people in hospitals and care.
Music in Hospitals & Care has been dedicated to sharing the healing power of live music across the UK for over 75 years. It began operating in Wales in 1997. Every year, a network of professional musicians share live music with people who may not otherwise get to experience it. This includes those living with dementia, mental health problems or who are seriously ill.
THE POWER OF LIVE MUSIC
The power of live music lies in its ability to spark memories and reduce isolation. Live music can transform relationships between patients, families, health and care professionals, residents and carers. When people enjoy music together, they feel more connected, which leads to more personalised care.
People often share how live music helps them feel less stressed and more relaxed. Patients report feeling less aware of their pain and better able to cope with treatments. Music even helps some patients who struggle to sleep, offering them a much-needed sense of calm and relief.
Katrina Rigby, Music in Hospitals & Care Live Music Manager for Wales and Northern Ireland explains:
‘Live music offers patients a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of hospital life. Amid the noise and constant activity, it provides a calming break, helping them relax and forget the stress for a while. It’s a simple yet powerful way to brighten their day and lift their spirits.’
MUSIC IN HOSPITALS
Music in Hospitals works in partnership with Arts and Health organisations and professionals based in care homes and local health boards across Wales. This collaboration helps the team to reach the right wards and spaces, meet local need and evaluate the impact of the live music. Through this partnership approach the charity has developed a music and visual arts project at Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, which brings together young mental health patients and staff through creative expression.
Katrina said:
‘We wanted to try bringing in art as a vehicle for these young people to express themselves while live music plays. It’s more than just an escape – it’s a way to connect with others, reduce feelings of isolation, and bring patients and staff together outside of their usual clinical therapeutic environment.’
LIVE MUSIC IN CRITICAL CARE
In high dependency and intensive care units, the environment can be intense and overwhelming. Research shows that live music can significantly improve the patient experience in critical care settings. One study found that live harp music reduced pain by over a quarter (27%).
Across Wales, the ICU Hear® programme brings live music directly to patients’ bedsides, creating a calming atmosphere that reduces stress and anxiety. This live music experience is specifically designed to help alleviate pain, improve physical and emotional health and enhance the overall hospital experience.
Harpist Delyth Jenkins has been a valued Music in Hospitals & Care musician since 2007, bringing the soothing sounds of Welsh music and her own compositions to various settings. For the past year, Delyth has been regularly visiting critical care units at Glangwili, Withybush and Prince Philip Hospitals in South Wales through Music in Hospitals & Care’s partnership with Hywel Dda Health Board and Charities.
Delyth explains:
‘The music helps relieve both physical and emotional pain for patients and their families. I use my smaller harp to move from bed to bed, playing familiar tunes like Welsh hymns to connect with the patients.’
Though responses can be subtle, like a smile or a foot tapping along, the impact is profound. Delyth recalled a touching moment:
‘I played for an unconscious man who hadn’t spoken for over a week. After finishing, he said ‘that was beautiful,’ which brought tears to everyone’s eyes, including mine.’
YOUR SUPPORT
Only with your support can charities like Music in Hospitals & Care bring live music to those in critical care, and provide comfort and relief during some of the most challenging times. Find out more about how you can support.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more about health and care in Wales, visit WCVA’s Health and Care Project page or email healthandcare@wcva.cymru.