PATIENTS, visitors and staff at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton can now enjoy making and listening to music, following the launch of a public piano in the main concourse area.

Accessible 24/7 in the hub of the hospital, the piano will give everyone the chance to take time out to play music for their own enjoyment and for the enjoyment of others. It is hoped the instrument will bring a method of relaxation for those who use it, while creating an uplifting and soothing atmosphere for anyone listening.

The piano was officially opened during a Christmas carol concert, with the band fully made up of hospital staff, including hospital chairman Colin Drummond on the piano. Everyone joined in with old favourites ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’.

Improvement adviser Andrea Gibbons came up with the idea of introducing a piano to the hospital as a way of improving well-being and health, and bringing communities together.

Research has shown that music can positively affect a patient’s experience, masking unwanted noise and providing a distraction from the clinical environment. Its positive effects can reduce blood pressure and anxiety, ease pain and strengthen coping resources.

Andrea approached Queen’s College in Taunton, which agreed to donate the piano, and it will be maintained by the hospital charity Love Musgrove.