Heartbeat: Kissing It Better one performance at a time

September 11, 2020

Cheer and delight was the order of the day earlier this month when the wards at Rowley rang out to the sound of a live violinist serenading patients from the courtyard.

Heading into August, people across the country have started to enjoy some sense of normality and life before COVID-19, a trip to the local pub, a haircut and meeting up with friends.

However, some of the frailest patients remain in our care at Rowley Regis Hospital, where they enjoy their ‘round the clock’ care in safety. COVID-19 has deeply impacted these patients, and the additional stress of cancelled visits from family and friends has added to a sense of isolation.

Stepping up to the challenge of spreading cheer and joy were our friends at ‘Kissing It Better’ who stopped off at Rowley Regis Hospital on their travels across the country where they have been visiting organisations to play live music and host musical performances. Staying at a safe distance from patients they have performed through windows, on doorsteps and out in open spaces.

On an overcast day at Rowley Regis Hospital, we caught up with Jill Fraser, Chief Executive of Kissing It Better and Pete Hartley who performed an array of classic songs on his violin including Frozen and Michael Jackson.

Jill told us: “When we couldn’t go inside hospitals and care homes, we decided to take our performances outside. If you play the right music it reminds you of happier times, and it also means patients are moving inside, they are tapping their toes, clapping along automatically because they know the songs we play.

“We do this just to say we have so much respect for the patients, for the contributions they have made and we haven’t forgotten you. This is our way of saying thank you and showing that we care.”

Pete added: “It’s my absolute pleasure to do something like this that brings some happiness to older members of our communities. You see them tapping their fingers and toes and straight away you know they appreciate it. It sparks a sense of connection, and I hope they enjoy it as much as we do.”

Ward Manager, Sarah Whitcombe commented: “The patients thoroughly enjoy listening to the live music. It’s uplifting and boosts the spirits of not only the patients but colleagues too.”