Staff singing in harmony in Wrexham Maelor Wellbeing Choir

A new Wellbeing Choir at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital is helping to bring staff together and boost morale.

It was created in May by Medical Directorate Matron Rebecca Jones and Prince of Wales Ward Manager Virma Pebeyre.

They have also teamed up with Aled Phillips, the Conductor of Johns Boys male voice choir, who are based Wrexham and have recently appeared on Britain’s got Talent and the Royal Varity Performance.

Aled is helping the Wellbeing Choir prepare for various performances across North Wales, and is supporting the choir with singing at local charity events.

“We have had an incredible response from the staff at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and the choir is working hard to promote staff wellbeing and mental health across the Health Board,” said Rebecca.

“The rehearsals are currently held fortnightly in the hospital and staff have been committed in attending in their own time after their shifts.

“The positive reaction we’ve had from everyone who has joined has been overwhelming, and within a short timeframe the feedback from choir members has been that the impact of the choir has improved their mental wellbeing significantly.”

The choir now has over 40 members drawn from all departments across the hospital including all healthcare professionals.

Virma added: “This is the start of our journey.

“The hope and intention is that the choir will continue to evolve and open up more opportunities for each member to participate in future performances and continuously improve each and every member’s wellbeing.”

At the start of the year Aled had a family member in Wrexham Maelor Hospital and over a period of months visited daily.

He said that when he was “more than happy to help lead choir rehearsals” to say thank you for the work of the staff.

Aled said: “It was the least I could do after seeing firsthand the incredible work all staff do at the hospital.

“It is just amazing to see the choir grow in numbers and in confidence.

“They are doing ever so well, and I have been really impressed by their natural talent and enthusiasm.

“I am very much looking forward to hearing them perform live to an audience.”