Being in hospital can be a difficult time for people. It’s why at Vale of Leven Hospital, activities and live music uplift spirits and create a sense of community amongst patients, staff, and visitors.
Activities coordinator, Natalie McFarlane, has taken this belief to heart.
“We have done a number of concerts in the hospital,” said Natalie. “We’ve had many different acts, from choirs, carol singers, charities, local performers, bands, sign language groups, and even local primary schools.
“Although activities and performances have been ongoing for years at the Vale, I’ve been in this role for a year and a half and really enjoying it.”
Unsurprisingly, each performance has been met with appreciation from patients and staff alike.
The most recent concert was held this month as part of their Easter celebrations, with acoustic duo Rock Salt performing. Previously, concerts have showcased the talented children from Singer Station, a local singing school that Natalie runs.
Natalie said, “I have my own singing school and 90 kids from ages 4-16 that take part. We have the most fun singing and dancing every week. Music is such an amazing creative outlet and form of therapy.
“Rock Salt have also performed, and they are an acoustic band that sings locally. They came to bring some joy, and the couple’s granddaughter works in my ward. This concert was something she really wanted to do for the patients.”
These concerts are held in Ward 15 at the Vale, with all wards encouraged to come and get involved. More are being planned in the coming months.
Natalie added, “I love organising the concerts and seeing how happy it makes the patients. We hope to push on and get more planned for this year.”
