Live music for patients in Care for the Elderly ward dayrooms at Princess of Wales Hospital

Thursday 25th April brought live music to patients on Care for the Elderly wards in the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend.

Funded by Ty Cerdd, the first session of this pilot project went down a storm! To quote Simon Cowell, the patients didn’t just like it, they loved it! As one patient said, ‘There’s nothing like live music, is there?’

The ward managers from the Care for the Elderly wards have witnessed the success of the project as it continues each week:
‘The music is uplifting for both the patients and relatives. One patient’s daughter was so touched by watching her father sing to the songs, she let the ward manager know how she hadn’t seen him interact and talk so much since he had been unwell. She said the music was just wonderful.’

‘It has been so special to provide the patients, who are in hospital for long periods, with the musicians. They have laughed, sang, and truly enjoyed the experience – we hope that it can continue!’

‘The joy music brings to our patients – its priceless.’

Tobias Robertson and Cat Razzell entertain patients in Care for the Elderly Wards at Princess of Wales Hospital, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

Experienced musicians, Tobias and Cat, entertained patients and staff in two different sessions.

In both dayrooms, many patients chose to sing along to well known songs from artists such as Elvis, The Everly Brothers, The Beatles, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, as well as to famous songs from the musicals such as Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Singing in the Rain.

‘We had wonderful singers in each day room’ said Cat, ‘so I’d say encouraging a singalong works well. We also had some lovely conversations with people. Feedback from several patients was wonderful, saying how much they’d enjoyed the session.

It was lovely to see people singing along and enjoying the music, whether they were actively participating or just sitting back and enjoying!’

Daring to Dream wish to thank Ty Cerdd for providing a grant to enable this pilot project of an initial 10 sessions in the Care for the Elderly ward dayrooms.

Barbara Chidgey, founder and chair of Daring to Dream, said: ‘We are now seeking local people and businesses in the Bridgend area who would be willing to do small fundraisers to help us continue the weekly live music to build on this pilot. If you are interested, do please contact us via https://daringtodream.wales/contact-us/ – let’s keep this going!’.