MONDAY, 27 MARCH, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PHOTO ATTACHED FRASER JACKSON, SPECIALIST OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST AMULREE WARD, CHARIS EDWARD, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST RANNOCH WARD AND MARY VEAL, HEAD MUSIC THERAPIST (TAYSIDE), NORDOFF ROBBINS SCOTLAND

Music therapy project strikes a chord at Murray Royal

A pilot music therapy project has been helping patients in Murray Royal Hospital as part of their recovery treatment programme.

Staff in Amulree and Rannoch wards at Murray Royal Hospital felt that an input of music therapy could benefit patients as part of their future recovery from severe and enduring mental health problems. The team contacted Nordoff Robbins Scotland, an independent music therapy charity, to see if they could help.

Thanks to a funding donation, Mary Veal, a music therapist from Nordoff Robbins has been running weekly sessions for patients since September, with the pilot due to finish at the end of March.

Fraser Jackson, specialist occupational therapist in Amulree ward, said, “This project has proven to be a successful addition to the therapeutic input on both wards with positive feedback from staff and patients.

“Some patients have preferred to engage individually with the therapist, whilst others have been drawn in to the group music-making opportunities. For all patients, this type of creative therapy can offer support, motivation, appropriate group experiences and a space for creative interaction.”

Mary Brown, Executive Director with Nordoff Robbins Scotland, added, “Nordoff Robbins Scotland is delighted to be working in partnership with Murray Royal Hospital. The people we work with are at the heart of our services and working alongside Fraser and his team has enabled us to extend music therapy into Perth. 

“Our vision is to change lives through music, and the feedback from both patients and staff has been highly positive.  We look forward to exploring further opportunities to working with Murray Royal Hospital in the future.”

Contact:

Gaynyr Dickson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424716