Lifting patients' spirits

A Tauranga man who has been playing guitar for over 50 years is helping lift the spirits of hospital patients with free performances.

Doug Cook, who started playing the guitar aged 15, is the wandering minstrel currently delighting Tauranga Hospital patients and visitors.


Guitar player and singer Doug Cook has proved a hit with patients at Tauranga Hospital.

'Volunteering is a way of me saying thank you and giving back to the hospital and its staff who have given me such fantastic care,” says Doug.

The 65-year-old is paid to play in retirement villages and at rest-homes in the area but volunteers his time freely to Tauranga Hospital. He is encouraging others to do the same.

'I have had a few health issues so I've spent a bit of time in here and everyone has always been so wonderful,” he adds. 'It's lovely to be able to give a little back.”

Doug plays a lot of 1950s and 1960s classics as well as country music, covering artists including Elvis and Jim Reeves. He spends around two hours each week visiting the wards providing entertainment and the reaction has been hugely positive.

'The nurses on the Health in Ageing (HIA) Ward had the patients up jigging around last week,” says Doug.

'And even when they can't physically do that it's great to see their toes tapping and the smiles on their faces. It's great therapy.”

Volunteers form an important part of the day-to-day life of the hospital and there are over 50 who regularly give their time at Tauranga and Whakatane hospitals.

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1 comment

Kudos!

Posted on 18-11-2014 22:37 | By Bill Gibson-Patmore

Great Kudos! Thanks and respect to Doug, and everyone else who volunteers in Health Facilities! It's a mighty effort.... Well Done. With kind regards, Bill Gibson-Patmore


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