The piano, a Yamaha Disklavier Enspire Grand Piano, will be situated in the atrium of the specialist Trust’s hospital in Liverpool city centre. The Trust treats around 30,000 patients every year, many of whom visit the centre for appointments and treatment including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and stem cell transplants.
It is hoped the music filling the multi-storey atrium of the building will entertain and soothe patients waiting for appointments or to be collected. With COVID-19 restrictions meaning patients have to enter the hospital alone, it is hoped the music will put patients at ease and provide a welcome distraction.
Speaking about the piano, patient June Evans said: “I noticed it when I came in. It’s very serene, very relaxing. I love music like this.”
Another patient, Noreen McGrath, added: “I noticed it right away – I think it’s lovely. It will soothe people.”
The piano was donated to the Trust’s charity The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity by The Marina Dalglish Appeal and chosen especially for the hospital by Marina Dalglish herself.
Marina said:
“The Marina Dalglish Appeal was set up to make a difference to cancer patients and their families. I hope this piano helps ease the tension and stress that they are going through, especially at this awful time when families are unable to accompany them for treatments and results because of COVID-19 restrictions.”
The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity helps improve patient experience, as well as fund research into the very latest technologies and innovations in cancer care. The Marina Dalglish Appeal has been a keen supporter of the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity for several years and made a £3million donation in 2011 to help fund the building of the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s dedicated radiotherapy centre in Aintree.
Katrina Bury, Head of Charity at The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said:
“Our relationship with the Marina Dalglish Appeal spans over ten years and once again, they have gone above and beyond to support our patients and further our cause of transforming cancer care across the region.
“So far, the patients who have heard the piano play have all been delighted and tell us it’s really calmed them as they’ve been waiting for an appointment or a lift. Whilst restrictions mean we’re not allowed visitors in the building at the moment, when they are lifted, we are excited to collaborate with local musicians and orchestras who will come and play the piano for our patients and continue to fill our hospital with music.”
Whilst patients are benefiting from the music in the hospital, staff are also benefiting from hearing it, something that is important to the Trust.
Chief Executive of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liz Bishop, explains:
“Every aspect of our patient’s wellbeing is a priority for us, physically, emotional and psychological. And that goes for our staff as well.
“I’ve long dreamed of having a piano in our new hospital as I know from experience the massive benefits music has on both our patients and hard-working staff; it uplifts them and enhances the experience of walking into our building.
“I speak on behalf of all my colleagues at the Trust by saying thank you to the Marina Dalglish Appeal for this wonderful gift. Giving the gift of music to our patients and staff is something truly special and one that will benefit us all, both now and long into the future.”
