The sounds of singing, dancing, and laughter could be heard throughout The Vic in recent weeks – all because of a little music.

Thanks to the generous support of our community, patients at our hospital had the opportunity to request songs and hear them played live on local nostalgia radio station CJNU 93.7 FM. The station played the requests on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during the month of September while they broadcasted live from The Vic Foundation.

The request afternoons brightened the days of many patients in hospital.

“Our geriatric rehabilitation patients listened together as a group,” said Season Whaley, Manager of Patient Care, Geriatric Rehabilitation. “The music evoked memories and it was really special to talk about those memories as a group. There were lots of smiles and lots of laughter when they heard their requests announced.”

Whaley fondly recalls one patient who began singing and dancing along with her request.

“We all learned the words to A Bushel and a Peck since it is her favourite song,” said Whaley. “The music really lightened the mood and right away everyone – both patients and staff – started singing along. Music really is a universal language.”

Not only was the music fun for patients but it also supported their healing and recovery.

“Music helps the brain and is an essential part of life,” said Whaley. “It didn’t matter where the patient was in their journey of care, all of them could either sing or tap along. The healing power of music helps to connect peers who are going through the same event. It is good for the soul.”

Whaley believes it is personal touches like the patient request afternoons that really make The Vic special.

“It helped us to connect with our patients on a personal level and show them how important they are to us,” said Whaley. “It made our hospital feel like it has its arms wrapped around us.”

While CJNU’s month of broadcasting at The Vic concluded at the end of September, there is still an important role for music at our hospital. The Vic Foundation has invested in two new stereo systems for our hospital’s recreation spaces as well as a new portable stereo to ensure music remains accessible for patients.

“We have many elderly patients at The Vic who tend to find music more beneficial than a television,” said Whaley. “Many of these patients can participate in group activities using the new stereos. The portable stereo can be brought to a patient’s room when needed to provide comfort and help them feel they are not alone.”

Check out some of our favourite song requests!

Can’t Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley) – “My husband loved it.”

Johnny B. Goode (Chuck Berry) – “I played and sang this song in a band in 1970.”

Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash) – “Brings back memories.”

Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon and Garfunkel) – “It was my brother’s favourite song.”

Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On (Jerry Lee Lewis) – “Band song I played.”

Home On The Range (Roy Rogers) – “That’s the place I live.”

When You’re Smiling (Nat King Cole) – “I love this singer.”

Jack & Diane (John Mellencamp) – “I like the beat.”

California Dreamin’ (The Mamas & The Papas) – “Great song and it was the #1 hit the year it came out.”