Community choir brings joy to patients
Patients and caregivers alike were treated to a medley of songs ranging from ‘Santa Lucia’ to ‘All you need is love’, during a visit from the St John of God Health Care Community Choir.
4 Sep 2018
5 September 2018
The choir – which includes caregivers from St John of God sites across the metropolitan area and the community – meets every week to rehearse and take their songs to the wards.
Deborah Pearson, Group Coordinator Arts and Health, says the choir sessions are always met with joy.
“We have grown to 30 strong in our choir, led by singer and songwriter Bernard Carney and meet every Tuesday night,” Deborah said.
“We sing a range of songs and find people enjoy singing along with us. Patients often leave their rooms to join us – even with drips in!
“It shows the benefits of music to patients in hospital, getting them up and about if they are able, and providing a sense of community and joy.
“We often hear that we have made someone’s day, which is a lovely way to finish a day.”
The choir visited the café and the Ursula Frayne Unit, which cares for older patients with mental health illnesses. Next Tuesday, they will visit the Specialist Rehabilitation Service and Restorative Unit.
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