With a baby grand piano set up in the Memorial lobby and another set of ivories on the way to the St. Joseph’s lobby, it’s not the same old song and dance for patient experience at Mission Health anymore.
“There are many evidence-based benefits of the healing power of music for patients and the staff that give so freely of themselves to care for our patients. It helps to create a soothing, peaceful environment that fosters healing,” says Laura Pearson of Mission Health’s office of patient services. “Mission has a music therapy program through the Integrative Health Services, and we will be partnering to collaboratively help our staff, visitors and patients experience the power of music in the healing process.”
The program began this week. Initially, daily performances will be provided by physicians, staff members and various volunteers. However, Pearson notes, there are bigger plans for these instruments in the future.
“As the music program grows, we will be reaching out to our community and professionally-trained pianists to invite them to share their talents. Our patients, their families, visitors and staff will experience the power of music in the healing process,” Pearson says.
Mission bought the baby grand from the local piano store, House of Music, and the other piano has been donated by Charles Asque.
If anyone would like to volunteer their time to play or learn more about the program, contact Bonnie Stephens at 213-1210.
