For six year old cancer patient, Imogen Purton, having a blood test no longer makes her feel anxious thanks to the calming influences of a classical music CD specifically designed to help calm and relax patients at The Royal Children’s Hospital.

Launched on 21 July, the ‘Hush Collection Volume 1 – classical music for complete calm’ CD is available for sale to the public.

Hush Collection is a special compilation of soothing classical music devised by Dr Catherine Crock following the success of her first CD, Cello Lullaby. Hush Collection is being played in the hospital’s operating theatres, treatment rooms, wards, waiting areas as well as to manage unsettled babies.

As a physician working with kids with cancer at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Dr Crock knows all too well how scary a hospital can be for children.  Cathy decided to do something to reduce their distress and teamed up with some of Australia’s leading classical musicians from Trio Grande to create a unique CD to help relax children and their parents during medical procedures.

Following the success of Cello Lullaby in 2003, which raised in excess of $100,000, the hospital has now formed an historic alliance with the seven other children’s hospitals in Australia and the children’s wards in Canberra, Darwin and Hobart hospitals.  The hospitals will also be selling Hush Collection with $16 from each purchase being shared amongst the hospitals.  The Royal Children’s Hospital will use the money for research into pain management.

Hush Collection can be purchased for $24.95 from The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, Australia Post and Dymocks stores. Please telephone 9345 5037 or visit www.hush.org.au for further information.
WHAT: Launch of Hush Collection CD
WHEN: Wednesday 21 July, 2004 at 10.30am
WHERE: Ella Latham Meeting Room, Royal Children’s Hospital
 
Interview opportunities:
Dr Catherine Crock, The Royal Children’s Hospital and Paul Williams, Trio Grande are available for interviews.

For media enquiries, please contact Kate Stronach, Public Affairs, The Royal Children’s Hospital on 9345 5882.

This event received the following media coverage:

• The Australian, The Age, Herald Sun – story and picture
• ABC news radio
• ABC radio interview with Lyn Haultain
• 3MBS radio interview
• Leader Newspapers

• The Melbourne Weekly