Chinese hospital soothes patients with concerts

A hospital in east China’s Jiangxi Province is presenting live piano concerts three times a week to help patients recover and ease their distress.

Cai Wenyao, a physician from Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, opened the inaugural one-hour concert on Thursday with “Dream Wedding” in the outpatients ward after completing his rounds.

“I never expected my hobby would be integrated with my job at the hospital,” said the 27-year-old doctor. “I believe music can relieve a patient’s pressure.”

Patients seem delighted by the music that was played by 12 volunteers, including doctors, pharmacists and nurses.

“It’s the first time I‘ve seen a doctor play the piano for us at the hospital,” said Liu Yiwu, a 76-years-old patient in the hospital. “It’s amazing.”

“The special concert warmed us on such a cold winter day,” said Chen Yifang, a 17-year-old patient.

Concerts are to be performed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10 in the morning.

Concerts involving other instruments including the violin and accordion will be introduced, said Cai Xiaoji, Party chief of the hospital.

More than 20 volunteers have applied to take part in the concerts, including primary school students and pregnant women, he said.

The hospital cares for more than 1 million outpatient visitors every year, according to Yuan Xihong, head of its outpatient department.