Call out for pianists to entertain patients

Recruitment is underway for volunteers to tickle the ivories on five pianos which have been placed in wards and public areas across NHS Forth Valley’s hospitals.

The invitation is open to both student musicians and polished performers willing to strike up a tune or two as part of an initiative to improve health and wellbeing.

Digital pianos have been installed in Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre, Falkirk Community Hospital, Forth Valley Royal Hospital and the new Neighbourhood Hub in the Bellfield Centre at Stirling Health and Care Village.

Funding support has been provided through the NHS Forth Valley Endowment Fund and the keyboards are now available for patients, visitors, staff and musicians to enjoy.

Research has shown that music has physical, psychological and biological benefits within healthcare settings and can reduce levels of anxiety and stress.

NHS FV director of nursing Professor Angela Wallace said:“Music is really good for the soul and in the case of older patients can help evoke memories of important moments in their lives.”

Kevin Harrison, director of the charity Artlink Central, who are joint partners in the quest to find musicians, added:“People may be shy about playing in public but the atmosphere in the wards is very friendly and no one is expecting the standard of the world famous Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang. Just a few hours a week would be very much appreciated.”

Patients are already entertained by healthcare staff involved in a number of NHS Forth Valley choirs. There have also been performances by students studying classical music and more traditional music provided by Alec Souter, a porter at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, who regularly visits the wards to play the bagpipes.

Anyone interested in practising their scales and helping to entertain patients should contact Artlink Central on 01786 450971. It is hoped arrangements will be in place to allow performances to take place during the festive period.