During February I visited Manchester Royal Infirmary ICU to see the incredible work of Music in Hospitals and Care their musicians; providing live music for patients and relatives and staff on the wards.
ICU Hear® is an award-winning approach developed by Music in Hospitals & Care, which uses music to improve patient-centred care on critical care wards. Trained musicians use gentle, calming music, sensitively delivered at the bedside to help reduce stress and anxiety for patients and their families. The musicians are careful to ensure that the music is suitable and will tailor their repertoire to suit the needs of the patients and unit at all times. The music helps to support the challenging clinical environment and creates a relaxing soundscape for critical care patients during their recovery.
ICU Hear® was launched at Manchester Royal Infirmary in 2016 and has since been rolled out throughout the UK.
Musician Amy Bowles
Chief Executive Barbara Osborne
Cath Applewhite Patient Experience Lead & Critical Care Sister at Manchester Royal Infirmary