Ysbyty Cwm Cynon supporting patients with music therapy pilot
Earlier this year, Ysbyty Cwm Cynon introduced a music therapy pilot project to help improve patient well-being whilst they are receiving care on wards at the hospital.
CTM UHB worked closely with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (RCTCBC) to launch and run this pilot. Musicians were provided by the RCTCBC Arts Service who visited the hospital over a six-week period between February and March 2025, playing on the hospital wards and in the main entrance to the site.
The musicians were all local artists based in the Rhondda Cynon Taff area, and included Andy Mulligan (Pop), Eleri Angharad (Welsh Folk), Max Hoare (Pop, Musicals), Bethan Nia (Classical Folk/ Harp). Welsh classics like Calon Lan also played by Harpist Bethan Nia, which were really well received.
Leanne Davies Head of Nursing, Primary Care and Communities said: “The positive impact the music therapy had on our patients is visually evident - you can see their mood lift and them instantly relax. Music therapy enables our patients to interact with the musicians. Singing and dancing along to the music improves their communication and motor neurons skills.
“Seeing the patients’ reactions to the music therapy has had a positive impact on the staff wellbeing as well. The patients are able to share the memories of certain songs and say what the songs mean to them - this results in conversations outside of the normal day to day chats. Staff spend long hours in work and to hear uplifting music gives them the boost needed to get through the day, as well as the opportunity to reflect on the memories that the music may invoke.”
Jesse Morgan, Arts and Community Engagement Manager, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council said: “This trial presented a remarkable opportunity to bring local musicians and local patients together in an experience that was uplifting, emotional and community-building. Live music has the power to transform and uplift and we saw both of those in action as musicians from a range of genres performed in bays and on wards in close proximity and in close conversation with patients. I don’t know anyone who witnessed these events who failed to be moved by them. As a local authority this programme represents the very best of what we’d hope a cultural offer to be, we couldn’t be more excited at the prospect of it continuing.”
Anthony Hughes, Deputy Locality Manager, Primary Care and Communities said: “Our pilot music therapy project has had a significant impact on patient well-being and we have received a lot of positive feedback from both patients and staff. The music has brought lots of smiles to patients’ faces and staff too, with patients singing along and moving with support from Nursing staff. It’s been a pleasure working with RCT CBC staff and the artists. The musicians really brought a boost of energy onto the ward and the nursing staff were really positive in supporting this project. I would like to thank the CTMUHB Dementia Steering Group for supporting this pilot project, and all of the staff, patients and families who helped to run and support our music sessions.”
Jan, a patient on Ward 2 at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon said: “The musicians today were excellent and they really brightened up the ward. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It made me much happier and would love to see them return.”
Jenny Oliver, Head of People’s Experience said: “The music therapy pilot has had an incredibly positive impact and is yet another excellent example of CTM staff identifying opportunities and devising innovative ways to support our patients. I’d like to thank Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and all of the musicians who have supported this project. We’d also like to thank and congratulate Anthony Hughes and the entire team at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon for making this happen, and for going above and beyond for patients in CTM.”
28/04/2025