HMS Collingwood's Royal Marines musicians support the Covid frontline fight

MUSICIANS from the Royal Navy have temporarily swapped playing their instruments for driving ambulances and carrying out Covid testing.
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Forty two members of the world-famous Royal Marines Band, which are based at HMS Collingwood, have been supporting the NHS in their fight against the Covid pandemic at hospitals across the south of England.

The musicians have been deployed to hospitals in Bournemouth, Bath and Exeter to help ‘free up’ NHS staff to allow them to focus on medical duties.

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Team leader and warrant officer Trev Naughton said: ‘Despite the unfamiliar roles that we have been tasked to support, the team have thrown themselves at every task and supported our brave NHS staff in every way they can.

Patients enjoy listening to a performance from a member of the Royal Marines Band.Patients enjoy listening to a performance from a member of the Royal Marines Band.
Patients enjoy listening to a performance from a member of the Royal Marines Band.

‘I couldn’t be prouder of the selfless attitude of our people, taking on a huge variety of roles which has freed up NHS staff to concentrate on their primary clinical roles. This has not only improved the care that’s given to the patients but also boosted the morale of our NHS staff.’

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The talented team have also helped to cheer up patients by delivering impromptu musical performances on the hospital wards. They’ve also sourced televisions and digital devices to allow patients to watch their favourite movies and sporting events.

Trev added: ‘Music delivers in a way only music can - lifting the spirits of both patients and staff alike. We are using our skills to provide some positive therapy amidst some very difficult times – and its impact has been immense.’

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Commenting on the impact of the band members, assistant director of nursing at NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter, Chantal Baker said: ‘Everything we have asked of them has been delivered. They know all the patients by name. When they’re not supporting clinical duties or taking on family liaison roles, they can be found with our patients reading to them, playing games with them, or just simply chatting away together.

‘It’s incredibly touching to see. Their beautiful music has filled our corridors, pouring out from the wards for the patients.’

The band members also carried out Covid tests on 90 staff at the hospital.

Chantal added: ‘We could never have done this without them. I know that I’m speaking on behalf of my colleagues when I say the arrival of the military personnel has been timely and simply wonderful.

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‘They’ve lifted spirits in our team, brought another dynamic to the hospitals, and most of all have an incredibly positive, can do attitude. We cannot thank them enough.’

The Royal Marines Band Service has five bands based throughout the United Kingdom, providing musical support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines as well as delivering a wide variety of operational roles.

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