King’s Critical Care Roof Garden hosts music therapy

10 November 2026 - The multipurpose space is also being used for physiotherapy and family visits 

Patients are now able to enjoy music therapy sessions in the King’s College Hospital critical care roof garden.

The weekly music therapy sessions are usually held in the hospital Chapel, but the newly designed space means that the event can now also take place outside. 

Having opened earlier this year, the critical care roof garden allows patients to be outside while remaining connected to essential life-support equipment. 

The space is currently being used by staff and patients for physiotherapy, quiet reflection, family visits and music therapy. 

The Critical Care team believe the garden could play an important role in improving physical, psychological, and cognitive recovery following critical illness. Helping patients regain independence and return home sooner.  

Music therapy is offered to patients nearing the end of their recovery journey after long stays in the Critical Care Unit, although it is also available to other patients across the hospital. 

Dr Tom Best, Clinical Director of King’s Critical Care, said: “The roof garden, by design, is a multipurpose all-weather space where staff and patients benefit from more than just fresh air, light and the surrounding greenery. The music therapy sessions can be incredibly powerful, helping people reconnect with memories, emotions, and their loved ones. Seeing patients smile, sing along and, in some cases, reconnecting and having deeply emotional responses highlights the enormously positive impact music therapy can have.“ 

Music therapy is an evidence-based psychological therapy delivered by a qualified healthcare professional who uses live music and musical interaction to support people’s emotional, cognitive, physical, and social needs.  

Staff have found that patients who take part often feel less anxious and better able to engage with other therapies, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, as part of their recovery. 

For many participants, the experience is deeply emotional. Patients and family members listen, sing along, and join in with percussion instruments. Some are visibly moved and brought to tears as familiar songs prompt powerful memories and feelings of connection. 

Music therapy is funded through the King’s College Hospital Charity, with staff, former patients and their families helping to support the service through fundraising activities. 

One patient, Leo, who was recently in a road traffic accident, said: “I loved all the new Irish songs I heard! I love music and I love being outside. I will come as many times as I can to these sessions.” 

Leo’s mum, Anna, added: “It’s a miracle Leo is here. We have everything to thank the hospital for.” 

Music therapist and conductor Andrew Moore entertains patients and their families with a range of popular songs, while encouraging everyone to take part. Andrew is part of Anchor Music Therapy, a team of music therapists who provide person-centred therapy in a variety of settings across London. As well as performing popular songs, he takes requests from patients and their loved ones.  

Andrew Moore, said: “I love music, and what I value most is using it to help people become the best versions of themselves. People here at King’s have been really unwell, and I help them see what they can do, rather than what they can’t. That might be playing an instrument, singing along, or rediscovering abilities they thought they had lost. 

“Music brings people together. Recently, a mother joined one of our sessions with her newborn baby, and it was lovely to see them share that moment of connection. Whether it’s helping someone move, use their speech or simply reconnect with themselves, music can create moments that are incredibly powerful. The Critical Care garden provides a wonderful setting for those moments to happen.” 

The roof garden was funded by a generous £2 million donation from King’s College Hospital Charity, along with additional funding from the Trust. The charity raises money to improve patient experience and support innovation at King’s. 

As a recent session came to an end patients and family members showed their appreciation with enthusiastic applause. Smiling, Andrew responded: “You don’t need to clap me. We’re all in the same band here.” 

If you are a journalist and would like to find out more and/or speak to an expert/case study, please contact us at [email protected]