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Nurse your musical ambitions!
18 July 2009
Elixir Arts, the new arts programme at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich & South London Healthcare NHS Trust, is looking for volunteer instrumentalists and singers to perform to older hospital patients in Woolwich, Bromley and Bexley.
What does it involve?
You can donate anything from one hour per year on a voluntary basis. Unfortunately music is not provided on the National Health and we are looking to recruit a team of volunteer musicians across Greenwich, Bexley and Bromley boroughs to play for patients at Queen Elizabeth, Princess Royal and Queen Mary’s hospitals.
Who can apply?
All musicians, of any genre, are very welcome, but probably no larger than a quartet - and acoustic instruments only - due to space limitations. Singers will need to bring an accompanist and an electric keyboard is available at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Who would we be performing to?
Older patients spend the longest time in hospital, sometimes up to four months, waiting for residential care places, recovering from strokes or because they have a terminal illness. Because of their lack of mobility and other impairments, they have very little to occupy them whilst in hospital and can suffer from anxiety, depression, boredom and withdrawal.
When are the available slots?
All performances will be between 2pm and 4pm, by arrangement with the ward staff. Additional evening or weekend opportunities may be available near Christmas.
Will it cost us anything?
Only your time. You will receive a parking permit or travel expenses, and also the opportunity to apply for a CRB (police check) certificate without charge, if you would like to volunteer regularly.
Music brings many benefits...
We have found that older patients respond extremely well to live music on their wards; they really ‘come alive’ and may tap, hum, sway to the rhythm, sing along to remembered songs, smile and laugh or even get up and dance! There is nothing like live music for providing energy, motivation and stimulus (without unpleasant side-effects) and staff and visitors are often astonished at the positive effect music has.
Who do I contact?
If you would like to offer your services, please send a brief introduction about yourself, your music and experience of performing in public, with your contact details to:
Jeanie McNulty, Elixir Arts Manager, South London Healthcare NHS Trust, Ranken House, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, Stadium Road, London SE18 4QH
or e-mail: jeanie.mcnulty@nhs.net
