New Sound Installation Enhances Patient Experience at RVH Cancer Centre

BARRIE, ONTARIO — On July 25, 2025, the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) unveiled a groundbreaking installation titled "Between Leaf & Light" at its Hudson Regional Cancer Centre, aimed at transforming the patient experience during moments of uncertainty while awaiting treatment. This innovative soundscape, designed by artist Scott Rogers and the curatorial collective CMBT (Co-conspiracy Means (to) Breathe Together), was developed specifically to alleviate the emotional burden faced by cancer patients and their families in the often stressful waiting areas of the facility.

The 43-minute auditory experience incorporates a blend of layered field recordings of birdsong, intentionally curated to create a calming environment. “Art in a hospital is about caring for the mind, body, and spirit,” stated Gail Hunt, President and CEO of RVH. “Our patients and their families deserve spaces that offer comfort, a place to pause, a moment to breathe, and the opportunity to support one another.”

This unique installation utilizes open-source recordings of native birds from regions spanning Peru to northern Ontario and Quebec, thus creating a soundscape that resonates with the local environment while providing an uplifting atmosphere for patients.

The CMBT collective, comprised of Kara Hamilton, Patricia Ritacca, and Yan Wu—each of whom has personally navigated cancer treatment—sought to reimagine the typical hospital experience. “As cancer patients ourselves, our curatorial team has spent many hours in clinical spaces—often waiting, often anxious,” said Yan Wu. “This inaugural project grew from a desire to shift that experience—not to escape it, but to reimagine it. We see art as a kind of inspirational distraction, something that can gently interrupt the passive rhythms of treatment with moments of curiosity, agency, or wonder.”

The project was significantly inspired by the late Tracey Baker, a local businesswoman whose contributions helped bring the installation to fruition. Frances Thomas, RVH’s Senior Art Curator, remarked, “Tracey’s support and insight helped bring this installation to life. She believed in the power of this project, and before she passed away, she was able to experience the first moment the waiting room was filled with birdsong.” Baker, who owned the local establishment Zuzu, passed away on March 7, 2025.

RVH’s cancer centre sees over 146,000 visits annually, highlighting the importance of creating an emotionally supportive environment. “At RVH, we don’t just want to treat people—we want to care for them,” Hunt emphasized, reflecting on the healthcare institution's commitment to innovative approaches in patient care.

The installation has garnered positive feedback from more than 80 patients and caregivers who participated in surveys, many expressing gratitude for the calming atmosphere created by the soundscape. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” noted Hunt, indicating the potential for similar initiatives in healthcare settings across the province and beyond.

This installation will continue to provide its soothing auditory experience through the fall, with hopes that it will inspire similar projects in cancer centres throughout Canada. Members of the public are encouraged to engage with the project via a video available on RVH’s website, showcasing behind-the-scenes insights and reflections from the artist and curatorial team.

In an age where healthcare is increasingly recognizing the importance of holistic approaches, the integration of art into clinical spaces marks a significant step forward in the evolution of patient-centered care.