Liverpool Philharmonic extends NHS partnership

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra has announced the launch of a new partnership with the Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, using music to improve the health and wellbeing of patients.

The partnership is supported by the Walton Centre Charity and the Foyle Foundation. 

The two organisations will work together to use participatory music sessions and performances to help patients with neurological and neurosurgical conditions, as well as benefitting their families and carers and staff at the Walton Centre.

A team of 10 experienced musicians and more than 25 visiting musicians from Liverpool Philharmonic will deliver music-making activities across the centre, including on wards and in staff areas. 

The Walton Centre is the fourth NHS Trust to join Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music and Health programme, after Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Improving Me, a consortium of 27 NHS organisations across Cheshire and Merseyside supporting women's health and maternity services.

The programme has worked with more than 17,000 people since its launch in 2008, using music to support wellbeing and build confidence. 

“It is fantastic that NHS Trusts in the region are increasingly recognising the positive impact music and professional musicians can have on people’s health and wellbeing, and enhancing health services,” said Peter Garden, Executive Director of Performance and Learning at Liverpool Philharmonic.

Jan Ross, Chief Executive at The Walton Centre said that “the lift that the music performances will be able to give to our patients and staff will be of immense benefit to both their physical and mental wellbeing”.