Roses help relax patients, medics at Beijing cancer clinic

Hundreds of patients at Beijing Cancer Hospital enjoyed piano music and roses on Wednesday in an effort to bring them "spiritual comfort".

Tang Lili, head of the hospital's rehab unit, said the hospital has been using music therapy for several years to create a more relaxing environment.

"In addition to curing our patients with medicine," added Zhu Jun, the hospital's Party chief, "we like to bring them spiritual comfort".

Pan Zhongying, president of Beijing United Family Hospital, which helped organize the event, said she hoped the music and flowers relaxed patients and medics.

"We want to express our love and care for our patients and make them happy," Pan said. "But as well as cancer patients, doctors and nurses also face heavy psychological pressure, and such events are designed to help them, too.

"We hope that more people, in particular the patients' family members, can learn to express love and care. People with cancer should not only live longer, but also live better," she added.

Beijing Cancer Hospital and Beijing United Family Hospital prepared about 1,000 fresh roses for Wednesday, which was International Women's Day. Most were given out before noon.

"A volunteer gave me a flower as I was leaving after having my regular checkup," one patient at Beijing Cancer Hospital said. "I didn't expect it, but I'm very glad."

The two hospitals have worked together on various art activities in recent years, including organizing music and painting classes for cancer patients, Pan said.