The sound of music will be heard across hospital wards in Forth Valley over the next few weeks, as part of a 30 day programme of music–making to promote health and wellbeing. Led by two musicians in residence – Oliver (Ollie) Costar, cello player and Ruth Mackay, clairsach and vocals – their repertoire will include mini concerts in Falkirk  and Stirling Community Hospitals as well as Forth Valley Royal.

The Hospital Notes project is part of a two year partnership between NHS Forth Valley and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s community music students and is being managed by Artlink Central. It provides an early stage career opportunity to recent music graduates committed to working within the Falkirk community.

NHS Forth Valley Arts and Wellbeing Co-ordinator Babs McCool said: “The musicians in residence believe music is important for health and healing and where possible, patients will be engaged in playing and singing.  Live music will be performed in wards and waiting areas and it’s also hoped to create a series of concerts with local schools and community groups.”

Funding has been provided by the Agnes Watt Trust and the project is designed to give staff, regularly- attending patients and volunteers more time and resources to plan sessions with a musician. This will ensure that volunteers are in place to support music in  wards and units with more vulnerable patients. Longer stay patients, including those from older people’s wards and the mental health unit, will be able to take part in community concerts in their wards, the music room at Falkirk Community Hospital and the atrium at Forth Valley Royal.