Oxford Health Charity has recently supported a series of hospital musical events in partnership with the Orchestra of St. John’s (OSJ) as part of the Oxford Health Arts Partnership’s (OHAP) trust-wide music strategy. This blog will discuss the impact and joy this project has brought to patients, service users, and staff.
Since January 2024, OSJ have facilitated 40 mini-concerts or bedside serenading sessions at 16 different community and mental health wards at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. These concerts have been enjoyed by 512 members of staff, patients, service users, and their families, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere and providing a respite from the challenges of healthcare settings.
The concerts are delivered by a team of five experienced musicians and singers who have brought classical and contemporary music to the wards, including viola, voice, saxophone, violin, clarinet, and, on occasion, a native American flute. Each musician has a wide repertoire and a person-centred approach, which enables them to play the right music for each group of patients.
Serenading takes place at the bedside and in communal areas, such as the ward day room or even by the nurse’s station.
The evidence of outcomes from these concerts includes improved mood and reduced anxiety levels among patients, as well as increased social interaction and a sense of community within the hospital. Music has also been shown to have a positive impact on pain management and overall well-being, contributing to a holistic approach to patient care.
Key Figures: 40 Concerts/ Serenading events; 1 staff awards ceremony; 5 Artists; 16 Wards / 7 Hospitals; 512 attendances; 350 patients/service users; 329 Staff; 33 Relatives/carers
Wards Visited: Abingdon Community Hospital – OSRU, Abbey Ward; Bicester Community Hospital; Didcot Community Hospital; Fulbrook Centre – Sandford Ward, Cherwell Ward, City Community Hospital; Littlemore – Wenric, Thames House, Lambourne, Oxford Clinic: Evenlode, Kennett, Glyme; Wallingford Community Hospital, St Leonards Ward; Witney Community Hospital – Wenrisc and Linfoot Ward
Comments from patients/ service users included:
“I can’t thank you enough, you’ve made my day”
“That was wonderful, thank you!”
“Very relaxing! I wasn’t expecting that”
Comments from ward staff: The patients loved the music session and said it had lifted their mood and cheered them up, particularly a patient who was recently bereaved, who said it had “brought the sunshine back into his life”.
x is usually very reserved and only speaks when spoken to, so we were really surprised when he really came out of his shell during the session and sang a solo as well as joining in with singing in the group and dancing.
One patient was moved to tears as it reminded him of his daughter playing.
Artist Comments: This felt like the best session I’ve done at Bicester. One user was particularly moved by the music and imitating the movement of playing the violin. Several participants got involved, clapping along; it was a really nice atmosphere.
The day room on St. Leonard’s Ward works very well as a space for music making. The staff and patients were well informed about the event. There is plenty of space and good acoustics. The audience seemed to be comfortable and enjoyed listening to the range of musical styles that I offered. They all seemed very knowledgeable, and we had an in depth discussion about classical and film music. We also talked about the violin and the history of its development.
The staff seemed to be enjoying the music too. When I was leaving, several people commented that they had been listening while they were working. I believe that live music events in hospitals give everybody a lift (including the musician). From my point of view, I really value the personal contact that I have with the patients and staff. This is a less ‘formal’ atmosphere than a concert hall, and all the more satisfying for it!
I was able to speak to several of the patients. One gentleman told me he had played the violin in the Oxfordshire County Orchestra some 70 years ago. He seemed very happy (with some tears) to hear the violin.
READ MORE: Season of Serenading | Oxford Health Charity
