NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts brings the Edinburgh International Festival to NHS Lothian patients and staff
While Edinburgh revels in the vibrant energy of the International Festival each August, many patients across the region are unable to participate in the city’s cultural offerings.
In a heartwarming initiative, NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts team have partnered with the Edinburgh International Festival for a second year to bring the magic of the Festival directly to patients and staff. Through the “Festival Fridays” programme, world-class artists step outside the usual, traditional venues and set a different stage, performing for patients and staff in hospitals across Lothian.
From the renowned Scottish Chamber Orchestra to Welsh Chamberfolk Trio VRï, patients and staff have been treated to unforgettable performances in hospital community gardens and courtyards, with more intimate concerts on hospital wards.
This year’s programme kicked off in May with a performance at St John’s Hospital, Livingston by renowned symphony orchestra, Philharmonia. This marked the beginning of a series of concerts that took place throughout the summer, including performances at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Western General Hospital. Weekly performances took place during the Festival itself, with a visit to one of the performances from Jenny Minto MSP.
Edinburgh International Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti, said:
NHS Festival Fridays are a perfect example of the Festival bringing together communities and ideas in spaces and places outside of a theatre in August. Art has the power to transform, and I encourage everyone to seize this opportunity to come together and be thrilled, challenged, and discover something new.”
Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, attended the performance at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People:
I was delighted to attend a musical performance at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People as part of the Edinburgh International Festival’s outreach programme. This project showed the positive impact culture can have on mental and physical health and wellbeing, while also bringing a taste of the festival to the children and young people who were unable to attend events.
“We recognise the valuable role that culture plays in supporting health and wellbeing and seek to reflect that in our strategies and plans. There is clear evidence that taking part in cultural activities can help to reduce social isolation, increase confidence and give people a sense of purpose and belonging to their communities.”
Len McCaffer, Tonic Arts Manager, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:
Music is a powerful tool. It can evoke emotions, alleviate stress, and provide comfort in difficult times. By bringing world-class artists to our hospitals, we are offering a unique opportunity to experience and participate in the Festival for those who are in hospital and unable to attend. Patients, visitors, and staff alike were captivated by the performances, and it was a privilege to be part of this and see the connection between the patients and the musicians. It really was quite emotional at times. I am delighted to be able to work with partners like Edinburgh International Festival and bring the therapeutic benefits of the arts into the healing environment of the hospital.”
Here’s what some of our patients, families and staff had to say:
“It’s our first hospital visit with our child and now we have positive associations for when we have to return.”
“It’s great to have something like this in the ward, brightens the place up and gets the patients and staff smiling.”
“I wasn’t expecting to still be in hospital by this stage, I just want to be at home so something like this is such an unexpected treat. The music was wonderful, I was fair tapping my toes.”
“I have never heard music like this before, it touched my heart. I was feeling very low this morning, I feel much better now. The music was wonderful.”
“So good to see patients so happy. Nice to have them all in a room together, [they’re] usually in their single rooms and quite isolated. Patients feel part of something that was so special. I wish we had it every month.”
“It was an absolutely wonderful experience. I even had tears in my eyes, tears of happiness.”
“Best hospital visit ever!”
Events and performances like these are part of Tonic Arts’ vibrant participatory and live arts programme, using art and creativity to help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and create a positive environment for patients, staff, visitors and the wider NHS Lothian community.
With thanks to Edinburgh International Festival and all the performers who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to bring the healing power of music to our hospitals.
