Musicians Kerrie Davies, Andrew Davies and James Whalan made the first of more than a dozen visits to the hospitals last month, playing gentle, uplifting songs to patients, staff and visitors.

The music sessions are a partnership between Arts OutWest, Mitchell Conservatorium and Lachlan Health Service. The sessions are part of the culture and arts program being embedded into the new facilities.

“The aim is to introduce music that has a positive impact on the ambience for patients, visitors and staff,” Arts OutWest arts and health coordinator Christine McMillan said.

“We have had wonderful feedback so far,” Ms McMillan said.

One Parkes Hospital patient praised the program.

“I was here last week and Arts OutWest had music, gee they were good, just the right music for the hospital,” they said.

A visitor agreed, saying people felt looked after in different ways and very lucky.

The musicians perform a repertoire of old time, country and western, blues, rock and roll and folk songs, moving around the hospital from public areas to wards, on the invitation of people in each room. The times spent in ward rooms vary from just a few minutes to up to half an hour depending on the response from the patients.

“We’re aiming to create an intimate musical experience with the patients,” musician Kerrie Davies said.

“Live music experiences are used in many hospitals across Australia and around the world.”

In maternity there have been performances for mothers with newborns, and mothers just about to give birth. In the physiotherapy unit at Parkes the musicians are working on a rhythmical repertoire that creates stronger energy for patients.

“Staff have responded very well to the music sessions – it’s been a welcome interlude during our busy working days,” Lachlan Health Service Manager Liz Mitchell said.