Pay up so hospitals can play pop songs, doctors tell Government

THE NHS should have access to charttopping tracks, with Governmentbacked licences for music in all hospitals, medical leaders have argued.

Doctors and music experts have asked the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to foot the bill for licences to play copyrighted pop classics and modern hits to benefit staff and patients.

Campaigners are calling for the Government to pay for the most popular tunes to be played in wards, staff rooms and receptions across NHS trusts, due to the positive impact of music on health and well-being.

Cross-party peers and medical professionals have also urged easier licensing for fitness instructors to source background tracks for classes following the success of Joe Wicks’ broadcasts during the coronavirus lockdown.

They argue that music should be simpler to access for those keeping the UK fit and healthy following the pandemic.

Currently individual trusts must pay for licences for different areas of care, and even sections of hospitals, and campaigners want the process to be simplified with a blanket licence bought by the DHSC.

They argue a similar arrangement is already in place for the Department for Education, allowing copyrighted music to be played in schools.

“It’s just daft,” said campaigner and signatory Dr Julia Jones. “There is so much evidence to show the beneficial effects of music on the brain, and we’re denying that to healthcare professionals. It just doesn’t make sense.

“There are different tariffs for the staff room, for the ward, for the reception area. It’s far too complicated, and would cost individual trusts too much.

“We believe the Department of Health should pay for a blanket licence for healthcare. It is an investment.”

The letter also calls for a straightforward process to allow fitness instructors like Mr Wicks to source soundtracks to their classes, without fear of fines.

It suggests annual licences should be made available for these purposes.