Hospital Nurses’ Piano Performances Bring Comfort to Patients

The previously undisclosed musical talents of two nurses have been bringing joy and tranquility to patients at a hospital, following the donation of a baby grand piano by consultants. This instrument has been located in the entrance of the Heart and Lung Centre at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton since it was gifted by the family of Cecil Billing, a city resident who passed away last year. While the piano, like others placed in public spaces nationwide, is available for anyone to play, it is specifically the performances by these two staff members that have captivated both colleagues and patients. Among the duo is Nikko Phodaca, a staff nurse in critical care, who describes playing during his breaks as a “big blessing” that helps alleviate stress. Mr. Phodaca stated, “Music has been my life ever since I was a kid, so I couldn’t imagine my life without it. The piano being here actually has been a big blessing to me. It takes all of the stress from the shift away from me for a couple of minutes, half an hour, 45 minutes, and it makes me a little bit more prepared or ready to come back into work and do my job and take care of the patients that we are taking care of here.” Almira Marcelo, senior sister of the integrated critical care unit, commented, “It is an honour for us to put Nikko in front for everybody to see that he’s an excellent performer.” Daniel Aboyeji, 29, a staff nurse, has also found enjoyment in the piano’s presence, having learned to play at a chapel in Nigeria. He explained, “Playing the piano for me is very relaxing. Sometimes I [play] after work.” A colleague shared that she became aware of his talent after a video was circulated on social media, saying, “I was thinking ‘who’s that’? And when we opened it up it was Daniel and he was absolutely brilliant.” Patients and visitors to the hospital have also provided positive feedback regarding the pair’s musical contributions. One man remarked, “You are in a place here where a lot of people are under stress and I think to have music like that – it’s just very relaxing.” A woman added, “I could listen to them all night.” The instrument had previously belonged to Mr. Billing, whose son and daughter-in-law both work as consultants at the hospital. His daughter-in-law, consultant anaesthetist Antonella Meraglia, expressed her pleasure that the piano was being used and its music shared. She said, “I’m absolutely really thrilled. It is emotionally very intense because the sound is really strong, it’s a really strong feeling.” For further updates, follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.