Musicians from Britten Sinfonia, who embarked on a unique project to enhance the days of some of Addenbrooke’s sickest patients, will share their transformative experience this week.
Watch patients and the ICU team explain more about the project
Link: https://youtu.be/CuanxxZnx5Q
They will join critical care clinicians and representatives from CUH Arts team for a panel discussion about the four-day initiative within the Intensive Care Unit this spring.
The discussion will explore how the chamber music was shared, how people took part, and the emotional, social and physical effects it had on those giving and receiving care.
The free event is open to the public and will take place between 5pm and 6.30pm on Thursday (3 July) in the Theo Chalmers Lecture Theatre, in the School of Clinical Medicine adjacent to the hospital and nearby car park one.
Critical care nurses Sian Ingham and Krissy Pride led on the project.
Every day can feel the same when you’re unwell, and patients in our Intensive Care Unit are generally the most unwell in the hospital, so it can be a very challenging time for patients and their families. Seeing their emotional responses to the live music has been so uplifting and really illustrated the positive impact.
Sian Ingham, critical care nurse
The aim was to use music to boost patient wellbeing during what can often be a difficult and traumatic time for patients and their families.
Britten Sinfonia musicians Sarah O’Flynn (flute), Bridget Carey (viola), and facilitator (and cellist) Sam Glazer worked with a variety of patients and families who were invited to use percussion instruments, conduct, or improvise in any way they felt able.
Performing live music for critical care patients and their families and giving them the opportunity to participate in these sessions creates that moment of connection. We’ve seen how well patients responded to the live music sessions: they’re not just a patient in a bed who is very ill, they seem to be able to recover some of their identity. The sessions have been very moving for patients, families and staff working in ICU.
Sam Glazer
Musicians have performed on the hospital wards before at CUH, but this was the first opportunity to engage with patients in intensive care. The project also had a positive impact on staff.
Suzy whose sister Hajnalka was in ICU said: “I think it’s a great way to help patients get better. My sister loved it. I haven’t seen her move her face or her arms for three weeks, so to see her reaction to the live music was extraordinary.”
For tickets follow this link (opens in a new tab)