Stroke unit gets in tune with creativity
Music project plays role in helping patients recover
STAFF REPORTER
A celebration of the finale of a music participation programme with patients from the stroke unit at Perth Royal Infirmary (PRI) took place over the weekend.
Stroke patients from the stroke rehabilitation unit at PRI shared a collection of musical improvisations with staff, family and fellow patients.
ST/ART is an engagement project for stroke participants and is delivered across Tayside.
The project is run by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust ( THAT) in association with NHS Tayside and works with other stroke services across Tayside.
Over the past two months, Katherine Wren, a professional musician and member of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra ( RSNO), worked with a number of inpatients on a Saturday morning in a social setting.
The music the group made together was developed to suit everyone’s abilities and interests.
A combination of traditional instruments and percussion with recorded backing tracks allowed everyone to participate, including those with significant impairment from their strokes.
The group worked together exploring different musical styles and melodies and used a variety of instruments provided for different pieces.
The social aspect of coming together and sharing music was an enjoyable contribution to the week for everyone.
All the sessions were run by Katherine with support and musical assistance from the unit’s activities worker, Willow Findlay.
ST/ART project coordinator Chris Kelly said: “This is the first time we have brought music to the stroke unit at PRI.
“Introducing music making for an inpatient setting has shown us just how valuable it can be and it is part of our development work.
“The weekend group sessions helped build peer support in the unit and the participants got to know each other better.
“The sheer pleasure of making music along with the concentration and satisfaction that comes from playing together contributes to their rehabilitation and it is good for their health and wellbeing.”
And Katherine said: “This is the second inpatient music programme I have developed for ST/ART stroke participants and I have really enjoyed working with people so early in their recovery journey.
“I use a wide variety of instruments and techniques that allow patients to contribute in simple but effective ways.
“We build people’s confidence and allow them to influence the direction of the work over the weeks. Everyone has been so enthusiastic and contributed so much. It has been a very happy and enjoyable programme.”
Activities worker, Willow Findlay, said that the music created was beautiful.
“I have been doing some individual work with music listening and playing music in the unit, but having Katherine and dedicated group time has taken everything so much further,” Willow explained.
“It’s always a challenge recruiting patients to get involved, but once they come along and hear the music, they very quickly want to be involved.
“Even the simplest contribution of ringing a bell allows them to be part of the overall music and it’s great. We also had participants on keyboards and drums and various other instruments and with Katherine’s wonderful viola playing we created some beautiful music.
“The music programme has helped each individual differently and we have seen real development in their ability and concentration. Sharing some of that pleasure with family and friends has been a great finale to the programme. I’m looking forward to more programmes.”