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St Mary’s Hospital needs YOUR music
9 September 2009
Chris McMahon, a Directorate Information Analyst for Medicine at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, is promoting live musical performance on the Lewis Loyd and Victoria & Albert Wards, both of which are dedicated to care of the elderly.
How can we make a difference?
Unfortunately the wards can offer little in the way of diversions. To supply in excess of twenty beds there are only two televisions and no radio sets. The patients – some of whom do not have visitors – are left to sit and stare, especially if they are not able to read a book or newspaper.
The benefits of live musical performance in such environments are well known and have led to the foundation of such charities as Music in Hospitals. Chris has been able to attract performers from these organisations and would still welcome much more music. He wants to be able to entertain more patients and staff – with your help this can be realised.
Request for assistance - especially if you live or rehearse in West London!
Could your group donate roughly one hour of music?
There is a good keyboard instrument on site.
Due to space and acoustic limitations, groups should be no larger than ten people, e.g. a chamber choir from a full choir.
When and what can we perform?
Sunday afternoons are good times to perform, but times and dates may be negotiable around the logistical requirements of the wards.
Music of all varieties will help lift the spirits of patients and staff alike and could provide an opportunity for a slightly unusual but very rewarding performance.
Contact Heather and Tom to get involved on 020 7422 8294 or e-mail us.
We’ll do our best to deal with any further logistical questions or suggestions you may have, and we know that Chris would be delighted to have just a small amount of your musical time.
