In paediatric hospital care, Registered Music Therapists are dedicated to supporting babies, children, young people, and their families at every stage of their medical journey. Through meaningful engagement and creative expression, they use evidence-based music interventions to address hospital, health and treatment-related stressors. From singing and playing instruments to creating personalised music, it provides patients and their families with a sense of control and connection, in otherwise overwhelming situations.
At the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, music therapy has proven essential for patients at every stage of their hospital experience, from diagnosis to end-of-life care. It helps reduce stress, manage pain, and foster emotional resilience. For families like Alex’s, music therapy has become a vital source of support.
Chelsea, Alex’s music therapist, has been there every step of the way for him during his cancer treatment.
“Alex has chosen to engage both when he has felt his best and his worst, which demonstrates the power of music, the strong relationships we form with our patients and families and the trust they place in us to provide support and comfort in those difficult times.”
Alex’s mum, Belinda, credits music therapy for transforming their hospital experience.
“We’ve used music for every tough thing in hospital. The music therapist has played soothing guitar to help him sleep or relax, has played musical games to help distract him from his nausea, and has gone along with all of his crazy ideas like making TikToks which have made him so happy.”
She adds, “If we didn’t have music therapy during this time our experience would have been completely different and way worse. In the early days, the music therapist was one of the only people who could get him out of bed by using fun musical games and singing and it changed his whole outlook.”
The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation, together with Redkite, proudly supports the Music Therapy service at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, helping patients like Alex and their families when they need it most.
