Kind-hearted folk in Forth Valley responded magnificently after health professionals appealed to the public to donate unused or unwanted Apple iPod shuffles to help with a new project called ‘Music with Meaning’. Many offers of equipment were received as people checked their cupboards and drawers.
The new project is a collaborative piece of work being undertaken by the Palliative Care Team, National Dementia Champions and Quality Improvement Team. The Palliative Care Team recognised that music can be an important part of someone’s care at the end of their life, regardless of diagnosis. By setting up, Music with Meaning, they plan to not only gather data on the impact individual music choices can have on comfort and wellbeing of patients who are near the end of their lives, but also for their friends and families who may listen to the music with them, maybe reminiscing about special memories or happy life events.
NHS Forth Valley Palliative Care Team leader, Evelyn Paterson, explained: “In the past Apple iPod shuffles have been the preferred option for both for ease of use and cost but unfortunately these are no longer manufactured, hence our appeal. We will be gifting an iPod with the playlist already complied and ready to use and hope that this new music initiative is as successful as our existing Playlist for Life project which was set up to support people with dementia and their loved ones.”
Any staff member who has an iPod shuffle they want to donate can contact Evelyn Paterson on 01324 566325 or email evelyn.paterson@nhs.net iPods can also be sent to the Palliative Care Team, Oncology Unit, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Stirling Road, Larbert FK5 4WR.
