Christmas music project brightens children’s ward at The Royal Derby Hospital


Patients and staff on Sunflower Ward at the Royal Derby Hospital are celebrating the success of a heart-warming Christmas music project that has brought joy, connection and a sense of festive magic to the ward.

You can make a donation to the sunflower ward to help improve their sensory play area here: Sunflower Ward Donations Page – Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity | Visufund

The project was the idea of senior play specialist, Fran Watson, who was inspired by the incredible impact of music during a session from the Air Arts music in hospitals programme, delivered by musician Jamie Rutherford.


Seeing how music could lift spirits and support children’s wellbeing, Fran wanted to create a song for Sunflower Ward that would celebrate music in hospitals, engage staff and patients in a fun activity and raise money to improve the ward’s sensory play area.
“Music has the power to include everyone and in a hospital environment the impact is immense. It is like a medicine it encourages children and young people to feel brighter, to be inclusive, to be heard and to distract them away from their medical treatments.” Said Fran.


On Friday November 29, the ward was buzzing with festive excitement as hospital staff – including doctors, nurses, anaesthetists, healthcare assistants, students, and play specialists – recorded and filmed a Christmas music video. Children staying on the ward also joined in too, lending their voices to the song and dancing for the video.


The music video premiered on Thursday December 5, during a special visit made by players and staff Derby County Football Club, to the hospital. The players and staff also handed out gifts to the children and unveiled a brand-new TV and box full of toys they had kindly donated to the ward as part of their annual visit. The project has touched the hearts of everyone involved and highlighted the positive impact of music in hospital settings.


The project was supported by Rosie Rutherford, Music Coordinator for Air Arts, a part of Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity, who collaborated with Fran to ensure the vision became a reality. Rosie, who oversees the hospital’s arts programme, said:


“It has been such a pleasure for Jamie and I to create this song with Fran and the team on Sunflower. It has been another testament to how incredible music is and how it brings people together! As composers and songwriters, we love any opportunity to create new music, so jumped at the idea to write and record a song with the Sunflower Team and it has been wonderful to have brought Fran’s vision to life with them. The recording day was such a special day and everyone had so much fun doing it!

Having music in a hospital setting is transformational for everyone in the space. It is a welcome distraction for patients, facilitates conversation and holds an important space between patients, staff and visitors, and brings people together on a human level. It is a fundamental source communication, and for that it’s power constantly shines through.”

The team behind the music video is now inviting the public to watch the video and help make a difference by donating to Sunflower Ward’s sensory play area. Every contribution will support children’s wellbeing and enhance their experience in the hospital.


Make a donation here: Sunflower Ward Donations Page – Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity | Visufund


This Christmas, the magic of music is making a lasting impact on Sunflower Ward – and every donation helps to keep that magic alive.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *