Small speakers make a big difference for radiotherapy patients
Posted on: 15 Apr 2026
For patients facing regular and often overwhelming radiotherapy treatment, being able to listen to familiar music is bringing comfort, calm and a greater sense of control.
Thanks to charitable funding, portable speakers are helping reduce anxiety for both children and adults, making the treatment experience feel more personal and less intimidating.
The challenge
For many patients undergoing radiotherapy at City Hospital, the loud and unfamiliar noise of the treatment machine can feel intimidating or anxiety-inducing. Previously, the department relied on an old CD player and a small collection of CDs, which offered limited choice and didn’t meet the needs or preferences of the wide range of patients receiving care.
Six portable speakers
These can be easily moved, connected to phones, and used during treatment. This simple addition allows patients to choose their own music or calming sounds while undergoing radiotherapy, helping create a more personalised and compassionate experience.
Measurable outcomes
A small but powerful addition to the department means that...
Patients are now able to listen to their own music, playlists or meditation tracks during treatment.
Staff report reduced anxiety among both paediatric and adult patients.
Patients frequently use the speakers after treatment to relax in the family room, supporting overall wellbeing.
Molly Bamber, lead paediatric and teenage and young adults therapeutic radiographer, said:
“These speakers are new into the department, but we’ve already seen the difference they are making to our paediatric and adult patients who undergo radiotherapy treatment here in Nottingham. Before we had these, we had an old CD player along with around 20 albums – not ideal for the range of patients that we see.”
She added:
“The speakers are helping mask the noise of the machine, and patients can choose what they listen to. Whether that’s Frank Sinatra or Disney, their choices are endless.”
Therapeutic radiographer Joel Devoto shared:
“When patients choose their own music, it can start a conversation between us and them. It helps humanise us, especially to younger patients who are understandably more nervous as their parents have to wait outside.”
Patient and service impact
Music is helping patients feel more at ease, including those who find the treatment environment overwhelming or who experience sensory sensitivities.
For some, especially those who must wear full face coverings, music reduces feelings of claustrophobia. Others use the speakers post-treatment to decompress before heading home.
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