Music treat for dialysis patients

[okarol]

2009/05/07
Music treat for dialysis patients
By : Heidi Foo

SEREMBAN: Haemodialysis patients at the Mawar Renal Medical Centre, here, received a rare treat yesterday when they were entertained by renowned harpist Katryna Tan and violinist Cindy Yan.

The centre's administration deputy director, Teo Eng Kian, said the soothing music helped the patients relax.

"We do our best to make things comfortable for our patients, a majority of whom are from the underprivileged group. We feel that music is the best way to help them relax.

"Each treatment session lasts about four hours and we just wanted to give our patients this rare treat and make them feel appreciated."

The duo, who have gained international fame, entertained more than 500 patients and staff during their hour-long performance.
Tan and Yan have been playing their instruments for more than 20 years and were delighted that they were able to bring joy to the patients.

"We are honoured to be given this opportunity to entertain these special people," said Tan.

"This is our first performance together. We hope the patients enjoyed it.

"We wanted to play tunes which would touch their senses while they received treatment.

"We hoped that the music would help them to relax and forget about the pain."

Yan said music therapy was the best way for one to forget about pain.

She said she was happy she was able to do her part for the patients.

http://www.nst.com.my/Thursday/National/2550286/Article/index_html

[Treasure]

Ah, entertainment in the dialysis center.... I love that.  Mariachis used to visit my old dialysis center and they would stop at each patients chair and play for them. These were not mariachis hired by the center, but ones that would show up for other events in the building, and would just come on in and play for the patients.  I bet there are patients out there that would appreciate such a visit... (though some would be cranky and just want to sleep...hehehe...hard to do with mariachis playing...hehehe).