Archie’s Journey: Overcoming Challenges with the Help of OPUS Music at Leicester Royal Infirmary

OPUS Music play alongside three-year-old Archie, bringing joy to his mum, Abbie.

Over Christmas, Archie and his mum, Abbie, found themselves in the Children’s Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. It had been a stressful time for the family from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. At 3am, an ambulance brought Archie from their local hospital in Lincoln so he could receive specialist care here in Leicester.

“Infections are common for Archie, as his disability weakens his immune system,” says Abbie.

At only six weeks old, Archie received a diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1. SMA is a genetic condition that makes the muscles weaker and causes problems with movement. Following Archie’s diagnosis, his parents feared the worst. In the past, children did not live beyond the age of two. But now, thanks to the introduction of Gene Therapy in the UK, Archie turned three last month.

The Impact of OPUS Music: Empowering Children in Leicester Royal Infirmary’s CICU

During his stays, Archie is often sedated and then confused when he comes around. He becomes unsettled and gets bored whilst in the hospital. But one Wednesday, Archie and the other children on the Unit received a surprise visit from OPUS Music. OPUS Music are a team of four healthcare musicians based in the East Midlands.

Musicians Nick and Richard came to Archie’s bedside. Richard gently handed Archie a hand-held drum and invited him to “play the drums together.” Before singing the wheels on the bus to him.

Archie was completely mesmerised by the music and to Abbie’s delight, he played along.

Supporting Young Patients: OPUS Music’s Return to In-Person Musical Encounters at Leicester Royal Infirmary

For Abbie, it was so moving to see, and she wants to say thank you for your gifts that funded this experience. “As a parent of a child with SMA Type 1, it was amazing to see and be part of this. Before, Archie couldn’t wave. So, to see him shaking the instrument and tapping along to his favourite song was so special.”

She adds: “The music really calmed him down and helps with his development. Through music, his speech has come on a long way. You can see him trying to piece all the lyrics together to sing along.”

OPUS Music had been supporting children and families within Leicester’s Hospitals since 2012. But due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, they had to move their music online. Hospital restrictions eased last year. And thanks to your gifts, OPUS have, again, been offering cultural musical encounters in person to young patients in hospitals since September 2022.

Coordinated by the Play Team, OPUS Music are told which children would benefit most from the musical experience. They cover the wards, CICU and even the Neonatal Unit.

“It’s wonderful to be back supporting young people and their families. The team slotted right back in. Although, there are some differences to before the Pandemic,” says Nick Cutts, Director, OPUS Music.

The musicians like their music to be interactive and bring a box of percussion instruments to the wards. They are wipeable and compliant with the latest infection prevention guidelines. This way, the young patients can play along and even lead the music sessions.

Nick told us: “Leading the session gives young patients autonomy and control. They get a sense of being in charge of something, which is important in their hospital journey. Music can empower children, give them confidence, and break down barriers within the hierarchy.”

Another benefit of the experience is that parents and carers can engage with their child in a different way. The musicians encourage parents to sing to their child – it’s something they can do for their little one, whilst they are in hospital.

Thanks to your gifts, OPUS Music will continue to perform alongside young patients and their families until June 2023.