DEARBORN — Oakwood patients and their visitors can now enjoy the restorative power of music like never before, through a partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
In September, the DSO made recordings of full orchestral performances available to patients through the television systems in their hospital rooms. The performances are on a continual loop, allowing patients and their visitors the opportunity to experience the calming effect of classical music at any time. It’s the first time the world-renowned symphony has partnered with a health system to enhance the patient experience on such an individual level.
“Music provides many health benefits, besides just being pleasing to listen to,” said Kareem George, DSO Managing Director of Community Programs. “It can help mediate stress, promote an atmosphere of healing and relaxation and improve the overall hospital environment. The clinical use of music has even been shown to lower the overall cost of care. We’re very pleased to be able to expand our partnership with Oakwood and provide these benefits to the community.”
Oakwood’s dedication to the arts dates back several years, to the implementation of the Arts for the Spirit program in 2006. Through the program, Oakwood has developed arts exhibits in each of its four hospitals and sponsored cultural programs to promote an atmosphere of total health and healing throughout the community. Oakwood and the DSO have partnered since 2013, when musicians from the orchestra performed regularly in small groups at Oakwood sites.
“One of our highest priorities with the Oakwood Arts for the Spirit program is to create a restorative atmosphere that renews the human spirit,” said Judith McNeeley, manager of Public Relations for Oakwood Healthcare. “Music is an integral component of the healing arts culture and our partnership with the DSO allows us to bring world class musicians and musical performances to the patients we are privileged to serve.”