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Music therapy serves to restore, maintain and promote mental, physical and spiritual health. Music as a creative medium is particularly suitable for children and adolescents to playfully process experiences in connection with an illness and to express feelings and emotions on a non-verbal level.
The therapy sessions focus on the psychological well-being of the children and adolescents being treated. Music therapy can alleviate pain or anxiety and improve the quality of life in everyday hospital life. In music therapy, we mobilise the patients' creative powers. No previous musical knowledge is required.
Children and adolescents who have to stay at UKBB for a long time due to a serious illness, are exposed to great psychological stress or suffer severe pain are on medical prescription also treated with music therapy.
In a stressful hospital situation, small islands can be created, for example by distracting from pain, finding joy or the possibility of being able to make self-determined choices. Music therapy can both awaken joie de vivre and support relaxation.
The programme includes various means of musical expression such as singing or inventing songs, playfully exploring musical instruments, working on simple pieces of music, getting moving with music as well as accompanying and guiding relaxation and enabling silence.
We visit the patients and relatives once or twice a week on the wards. A wide range of musical instruments is available on the music trolley.
We adapt our programme to the age and developmental stage of the children and young people. individual to. We involve parents and siblings wherever possible.
The music therapy programme complements the medical treatment of premature babies. The aim is to create familiar moments for parents and child in which they can build a sustainable relationship with each other despite the challenging situation. Talking, storytelling, humming or singing in combination with gentle rocking allow the child to build on their prenatal listening experiences and create trust.
The diagnosis of cancer is a massive shock to a child's development. Music therapy is intended to awaken resources that help to find a balance during this emotionally stressful time. Music therapy can also take place during any period of isolation. Wednesday music on the oncology ward is an open group programme for inpatients and outpatients and their relatives.
Music as a creative medium is particularly suitable for children and adolescents to process their experiences in connection with the illness in a playful way. Music can both awaken joie de vivre and support relaxation. Sometimes music provides a small island in a stressful hospital situation, for example by distracting from pain, finding joy or the opportunity to make choices. Parents are welcome to join in during music therapy or have the opportunity to use this time for a break.
The music therapists adapt their programme to the needs, preferences and wishes of the child/young person and their family. We playfully explore musical instruments together, sing songs, create a small piece of music with those present, listen to music together or listen to the therapist's music.
Wednesday Music Station C
The musical programme on Wednesday afternoons is aimed at all children/young people and their families who are undergoing treatment on the oncology/haematology ward. The programme is adapted to the age and needs of the participants.
While singing and making music together, the affected families, children, nursing staff and the music therapist come into contact with each other. The programme serves as a bridge between inpatient and outpatient stays. New and existing relationships can be cultivated.
In the treatment of chronic pain patients, music therapy is part of the interdisciplinary treatment concept.
A weekly band project takes place on the psychosomatic ward. Music can promote communication and interaction between the children and adolescents, boost their self-esteem and self-confidence and support the development of their own identity. They can discover and develop their strengths and potential in this setting, regardless of their illness and everyday hospital life.
Music therapy is still not funded by basic insurance. The use of music therapy at the UKBB is therefore made possible by donations. Among others, we are supported by Pro UKBB Foundation and the Art Therapy Foundation generous.
058 387 78 82 (Costs are settled via the health insurance company)
In the event of an emergency abroad, call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find the contact details on your health insurance card.
145 (Poison and Information Centre)
University Children's Hospital of both
Basel, Spitalstrasse 33
4056 Basel | CH
Phone +41 61 704 12 12
© UKBB, 2025
The Medgate Kids Line provides quick and uncomplicated medical advice if your child is unwell. The medical team of our partner Medgate is available to you by telephone around the clock.
For emergencies abroad: Call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find this number on your health insurance card.
More information: On the Page of the emergency ward you will find everything you need to know about behaviour in emergencies, typical childhood illnesses and waiting times.
144 Outpatient clinic
145 Tox Info Suisse (Poisonings)
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