Music plays its part in patients’ recovery

People with severe and enduring mental health issues are being treated with music to help their recovery.

The pilot project is being used at Murray Royal Hospital in Perth and reached a conclusion last week after being put to the test since September 2016.

It was the brainchild of staff at the Amulree and Rannoch wards who felt it could benefit patients as part of their future recovery. They called on an independent music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins, for advice.

Thanks to a funding donation, Mary Veal, a music therapist from Nordoff Robbins Scotland has been running weekly sessions.

Fraser Jackson, specialist occupational therapist in Amulree ward, said:“This project has proven to be a successful addition to the therapeutic input on both wards with positive feedback from staff and patients.

“Some patients have preferred to engage individually with the therapist, whilst others have been drawn in to the group music-making opportunities.

“For all patients, this type of creative therapy can offer support, motivation, appropriate group experiences and a space for creative interaction.”

Mary Brown, executive director with Nordoff Robbins Scotland, added: “Nordoff Robbins Scotland is delighted to be working in partnership with Murray Royal Hospital. The people we work with are at the heart of our services and working alongside Fraser and his team has enabled us to extend music therapy into Perth.

“Our vision is to change lives through music, and the feedback from both patients and staff has been highly positive. We look forward to exploring further opportunities to working with Murray Royal Hospital in the future.”