Royal harpist in concerts at Frenchay and Southmead hospitals

THE Prince of Wales's official Royal harpist, Claire Jones, and Craig Yates from Only Men Aloud, are playing a series of concerts at Frenchay and Southmead hospitals in Bristol as part of a year-long project to enhance patient recovery. The Fresh Music series is being organised by the Fresh Arts programme at North Bristol NHS Trust and will run until March 2012, offering everything from African dance to Celtic folk and gypsy jazz. The live performances will be staged on two days every month throughout wards, waiting rooms, restaurants and public areas at the hospitals. The project aims to create a positive healing environment to support the physical and emotional recovery of patients. Fresh Arts programme manager, Ruth Sidgwick, said: "There is clear research that shows that music and the arts make a huge difference to the recovery and clinical outcomes for patients, reducing their length of stay in hospital. Performances like these help to ease anxiety and depression as well as stimulate patients and perhaps even get them moving. It is also a great bonding experience for patients, visitors and staff." Julie Fisher, a play specialist at Frenchay's Barbara Russell Children's Unit, added: "The performance from Archer Pearce Duo was a fantastic experience for the children. It really put a smile on their faces, and on the faces of their parents, and was a great boost to the day."

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• North Bristol NHS Trust
• Frenchay Hospital

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