Children's Hospital Introduces Musical Sensory Garden

Patients and visitors of the Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital at University Hospital Denmark can now enjoy playing Percussion Play outdoor musical instruments during their visit or stay. However, these interactive instruments have not just been installed for the patient's enjoyment, but more importantly to assist in a healthy, speedy recovery. Children can find a hospital visit or stay a daunting experience, but it's essential to their emotional and physical recovery that they maintain a positive frame of mind and feel comfortable in the hospital setting.

Arne Høst, Lead Consultant says "These instruments totally fit into our concept here at the children's hospital, we believe it should not just be a place where we treat and examine sick children, but also somewhere which gives them a great experience. I know that the hospital makes a very good job of treating the children, but sometimes when the kids - and adults - have a hard time, the music instruments will provide an outlet for their anxiety, stress, fear and uncertainty. Playing music calms them, the ease of playing these instruments helps create a positive state of mind and they become fond of playing music", he says.

These outdoor musical instruments are among the first in Denmark. The instruments were donated by Lars Schroeder the distributor of Percussion Play instruments in Denmark. Lars says "What is so great is that no matter where you hit the instrument, it has a really nice tone. So the exciting thing about it, it's that all of a sudden you can play music, although you may not have any previous knowledge or skills"

We really hope that the children and their families enjoy the instruments, and that giving the children an interactive, engaging environment will prove to be a positive factor in improving their recovery and make the healing process a more enjoyable experience