With skilled musicians playing at intervals, it is hoped that this incidental music will provide a calming and cultured atmosphere within the hospitals, reducing anxiety for arriving visitors and patients. The Trust already has several volunteers and they are on the lookout for more people who can offer their free time to perform.
Patients waiting for an outpatient appointment, inpatients heading out for some fresh air, or staff leaving after a long shift will all benefit from the music, which is proven to ease stress and improve health and wellbeing.
Dr Kirsty Edmondson Jones, Director of Estate and Facilities at DBTH, said: “Often, as an inpatient, it’s difficult to find a reason to go for a walk or stand for a while and a piano concert in the entrance is the perfect excuse to spend some time away from your bed.
“Equally, visiting a loved one in hospital can be a stressful time but can really help to support their recovery. Having some light music in the entrance can take away some of the worry and put you in the best possible mind-set to get the most out of your visit.”
Part of a recent drive to improve the look and feel of the local hospitals, last year the entrance at Doncaster Royal Infirmary was renovated and a new Costa Coffee shop was introduced to give patients and visitors a comfortable environment to sit and have a drink as they wait for an appointment or visit a loved one.
Kirsty said: “We are still looking for talented individuals to come along and perform for our patients and visitors as they enter our hospitals. This is a fantastic opportunity to show off your skills, volunteering your time to do something amazing for the NHS. By doing so, you’ll be helping to make our hospitals a much more inviting and comfortable place to be. If you have the relevant qualifications, please apply and get tickling those ivories for a good cause!”
The pianos will also give local musicians the chance to practice and perfect their skills. The Trust is looking for musicians with Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Grade Seven in Piano or an equivalent to volunteer their time to play.
If you would like to volunteer to play in the hospital’s entrances, please contact dbth.comms@nhs.net
