A Portrait of Row
The power of music has helped one man process his grief and create change for the benefit of others.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 Mark Green’s wife Row had a medical emergency.
She required high level care and was flown from her home in Tasmania to The Alfred for treatment.
Mark was unable to travel with her but was constantly on the phone to her treating team.
“I was calling many times a day to check how she was going,” he said.
“I’d hear the hold music, which began to get quite upsetting for me. It didn’t reflect what I was seeing and hearing from the hospital staff when I spoke to them.”
The music Mark was hearing was a stock tune, commonly used by organisations across the country.
“After she passed away, I would hear the hold music in other places and couldn’t continue with those phone calls.”
With the memory of his wife’s loving spirit, Mark reached out to Alfred Health where patient liaison officers connected him with Chief Digital Health Officer Amy McKimm.
Ms McKimm said the two quickly set about creating something special.
“Mark described to me how he would hear that music after losing Row and it would take him back to that place. To me that was incredibly powerful,” she said.
“We were able to connect with a composer, with musicians… with a number of people who’ve brought a piece of music to life, and we now have A Portrait of Row which will be Alfred Health’s hold music going forward.
“I think it’s incredible that she’s here with us with this… what we’ve created will not only be for her, but for so many other people.”
Composer Jessica Wells helped bring the piece to life and said it was an incredible opportunity to create something that would have a long-lasting impact.
“For the hospital to recognise that this was an area of need and work with us to make this happen was absolutely incredible,” Ms Wells said.
“Together we’ve created something we’re all so proud of – little things can often make such a big impact.”
Mark said the new music perfectly encapsulates Row’s spirit.
“She was a very kind, loving person, someone who would do a lot for others behind the scenes.
“The music is so beautifully played, and it reflects Row – gentle and kind, a bit playful at times.
“It’s a really important part of my journey through this grief to see that something really positive and really warm and caring has come out of this.”
