Our Partnership with Royal College of Music has begun!

Once a month, our lunchtime performances will be provided by musicians studying at the RCM. The first performance was a violin and piano recital by Joo Yeun Sir and Natsumi Ikenaga, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

Burns and Surgical wards opening in Chelsea Children's Hospital in January 2013

Hospital Arts have worked with Thomas Matthews designers and the illustrtors Malika Favre and Gilles and Cecilie to produce a design and illustration scheme based on space.

Music on demand is launched!

We recently launched Music on Demand with live musicians performing to celebrate children’s birthdays, leaving hospital or other special occasions. The initiative came about as a result of the play specialists on the wards and our Hospital Arts team wishing to provide a celebratory environment for children and mark events special to them and their families.

Take a look at how our musicians helped one of our younger patients to enjoy her first birthday with friends and family on the ward...

Health Benefits

We know that for many children, experiencing birthdays or other special occasions in a hospital rather than with their friends is a disappointment and can lead to feelings of depression and isolation. Music helps to combat this by providing a celebratory atmosphere and an event that children can look forward to. Other children on the ward get involved too and a community spirit is fostered which can lead to friendships between patients and parents.

We provide musicians who will get the children involved, through singing or playing percussion instruments. They feel a real sense of achievement and pride as they feel they have collectively created a musical performance. These emotions can really help to counteract the dependence and helplessness which can sometimes be felt by a child in hospital.