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When Nancy Kleiman wheeled her harp up to the Thoracic Care Unit and began to play, a young man with Down syndrome peeked out of his room and then retreated. A moment later, he pulled his mother into the hallway, and the two waltzed to Kleiman’s peaceful tune.
“He then sat, put the harp against his chest to feel the vibrations and mimicked my playing perfectly,” said Kleiman, who plays her portable Celtic harp at BWH to create a calm atmosphere.
Patricia Reilly, MSN, RN, program manager of Integrative Care, arranged for Kleiman to come to BWH for 10 hours per week because the soothing nature of her music helps patients.
“Research shows that therapeutic live music relieves anxiety of the critically ill, accelerates the healing process, reduces stress and blood pressure, relieves body and mental tension, aids in mental focus and lifts and clears the conscience,” Reilly said.
Doctors and nurses can request that Kleiman come up to their floors to play. She also plays in public areas, including the Chapel, 75 Francis St. lobby and Connors Center lobby.
Kleiman, who also plays the trumpet, guitar and French horn, appreciates the warm welcome she receives from everyone in the BWH community, “from the people who make the beds to the people who give the meds,” she said.