Music Therapy

Location: Royal Children's Hospital and Monash Children's Hospital

Funding Requirement: $200,000 per year

Funding Period: 3 years
 
Description of service:
At RCH, Music Therapy is provided mostly to patients on the ward in the Lumbar Puncture clinic, and in the day oncology unit. At MCH it is offered to paediatric oncology and haematology inpatients on the paediatric wards, in the CCC outpatient and day treatment clinics and within the treatment rooms.

The majority of the sessions on the ward are for those whoare in isolation and cannot leave their hospital rooms - which is why music therapy is such an important part of their week, as it offers stimulation and a positive experience that can be catered to their level of energy. Parents often say that it is one of the few times in their child's day when they smile and/or sit up. Even children who are too unwell to participate in any activity can enjoy the gentle, positive stimulation of a quiet, familiar song and it can subtly shift their focus and mood. For some children who are stressed and uptight, it can move them to a relaxed state, even sleep at times, when sleeping is difficult.

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