Music to the ears of our patients

Once again showing the powerful link between music, the arts and mental health, our Music Volunteer Ellie has been singing to our patients in the Ursula Frayne Unit, raising both their spirits and their hands!

8 May 2017

Kerrie James, Coordinator of Volunteer Services, says music volunteers have been part of the patient-centred care provided by St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital, for two years now.

“Frankie Murphy, Nurse Unit Manager of the Ursula Frayne Unit, encouraged me to introduce music volunteers when I started in this role,” says Kerrie.

“We are passionate about the benefits of the arts in health and how this can influence the health, wellbeing and recovery of patients, and caregivers love it too!

“It is a great time to acknowledge the wonderful role our volunteers play, and to show the impact they have. Not only do we have Ellie as a music volunteer, we also have our CARTwheels art program.

“Talented volunteers encourage patients to take part in a range of art projects, with a cart full of art and craft supplies around to different areas of the hospital.

“We have had fabulous feedback from patients, who are grateful to have the opportunity to join with others in communal areas to try their hand at different art projects,” she said.

About Music Volunteer, Ellie

I have been volunteering at St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital for about one month, and as such I am one of the newest volunteers!

I am undertaking a Masters in Social Work at the University of Western Australia, and also have a degree in Psychology, so my interest in mental health is really strong.

Having the opportunity to introduce music to patients in the Ursula Frayne Unit, who are older people with mental health issues, has been a fantastic way to connect my passion between music and wellbeing.

I sing to pre-recorded music, and at first I was choosing the tracks to play. Once I saw how much they enjoyed the music sessions, we started to encourage the patients to make requests for songs.

We sing everything from ‘These boots were made for walking’, to ‘I will survive’ and ‘Moon River’.

It is so uplifting to see people joining in and reminiscing.

I saw this with my own grandmother, who had dementia. Music was always very therapeutic to her and gave her a sense of connection. While she may have struggled to remember lots of things, as soon as we would put music on, she would sing the lyrics.

I see this with these patients. It is heart-warming that when I sing a song they recognise, you can see them close their eyes and smile, mouthing the words and you know that they remember. I look forward to continuing to do this into the future.