I am writing to endorse the superb talent, dedication and professionalism of the music services provided by Mr. Lyle Povah at British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital. Lyle’s ability to relate to children of all ages (and their parents), to seemingly effortlessly adapt to a myriad of challenging clinical situations and to bring smiles and giggles from little patients and families make him an integral member of the health care team. His contributions to the well-being of both patients and staff are phenomenal.

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I am a paediatrician on staff at Children’s for a decade. Over the years I have worked in several departments from Emergency to Cardiology and for the last few years on the ICU Step-Down ward. I have watched Lyle work his magic in all these most improbable places. Children in this setting are acutely ill, having had open-heart operations or other life-saving procedures. Some are newly diagnosed with devastating conditions. Most have just weaned off ventilators, often starting to rouse from comas. All are hooked to an array of monitors and invasive medical devices. They are anxious, sometimes in pain and generally heavily medicated. Their families are exhausted and scared; some speak little or no English. The future is uncertain.

Into this techno jungle strolls Lyle with his ever-changing trolley of the oddest instruments that you could imagine. Countless times I have seen infants and toddlers come alive to the songs and sounds and antics at the bedside. They open an eye, turn their head and cautiously join in, banging bells and drums and throwing themselves into the action. Older children and teens immerse themselves in the familiar strains – Lyle’s intuition is so attuned that his performance engages all ages and cultures. Often this is the first flicker of response and hope that the families (and the docs) see. The heart rates, blood pressure readings and breathing patterns settle in a response far greater than that to any medication that we have to offer.  Smiles, sometimes tears cross the faces of the nurses as the whole team takes a break from the stresses of the ward to enjoy the Lyle moments – rewarding human moments in a sea of high-tech critical medicine.

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I have studied Lyle’s approach with interest and awe over the years. As a physician-scientist I have come to appreciate and respect the power of this most soothing yet invigorating and human interaction. It is beyond the realm of my medical practice yet is such an effective and valuable tool that “Lyle at the bedside” has become my favourite prescription. Lyle’s gift is unique, his manner contagious and his reliable presence is one of our greatest assets.

Sincerely,

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-  Sal K. Denny, MD, FRCPC  
    Pediatrician, Intensive Care Unit, BC Children's Hospital

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