A concert to remember: Metal band rocks out at Ottawa hospital, granting patient's wish
A 27-year-old hospital patient in Ottawa had his wish to attend a heavy metal concert fulfilled when a local band performed in a hospital boardroom. The event was organized by hospital staff and a local venue owner to provide emotional support to the patient.
Why it matters
This story highlights the role of patient-centered care and the impact of community support on the well-being of individuals in palliative or long-term care.
With a colourful light show, hair-blowing fans and aggressive headbanging, a board room at the hospital was transformed into a rock club last Tuesday after 27-year-old Tim Berry expressed his wish to rock out there.
Roshene Lawson, a clinical chaplain at Bruyère Health, said she was visiting Berry after he'd received some bad health news and was dwelling on the things he'd missed out on.
"I said, 'Well, we can talk about all the stuff you've lost, or we can talk about how you want to live for however much longer you're around," Lawson said.
The Scepter performs for patients at Bruyère Health on July 21. (Bruyère Health) What Berry wanted was to attend a heavy metal show. Lawson called Scott McClinton, owner of hard rock venue the Dominion Tavern in the ByWard Market, who in turn recruited local band The Scepter.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in