Feeling Better, One Note at a Time
NHS Borders received some lovely feedback this month about our Music Therapist, Rory.
Music Therapy is a clinical, evidenced-based practice where healthcare professionals trained in arts therapy use music to help patients feel better physically and emotionally.
In 2024, NHS Borders Health Charity funded Rory to delivery Music Therapy twice a week in the Department of Medicine for the Elderly wards at the Borders General Hospital. Rory worked with patients on a 1:1 basis and in groups.
During this time, ward staff reported:
Reduced stress, distress and anxiety in patients
Improved mood which meant better engagement win other therapy and rehabilitation activities
Lifted spirits both for patients and staff
Music Therapy also helps provide peace and comfort at the end of life.
“A gentleman with significant dementia who was at the end of his life did not appear to recognise his wife anymore and had not done so for a long time. His wife told the Music Therapist his favourite tune and the therapist played it on his guitar at which point the patient gripped his wife’s hand, opened his eyes, and looked directly into her eyes. He then closed his eyes and, very peacefully, died 10 minutes later.
His wife was so overcome that at the end of his life they were able to have this beautiful connection.””
Rory played a key role in each patient’s care. He attended regular meetings with the consultants, nurses, Allied Health Professionals, health care support workers and clinical management to share information relevant to each person’s individual needs and wishes.
“The Music Therapist is a fantastic addition to the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting, often patients open up to him in a way that they don’t to the medical and nursing staff.
The Music Therapist often provides insights into patients’ concerns and wishes which other staff were unaware of. This has provided openings to further conversations between patients, families and the clinical team leading to a change in management plans.”
This initiative was only possible thanks to generous donations to NHS Borders Health Charity.