Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) porter Jonathan Baker brought music to the ears of parents Olivia Arnold and Adam Mellor when their young son Oscar was recently admitted to Tunbridge Wells Hospital for treatment.

Jonathan adapted the lyrics to the well-known children’s song “The wheels on the bus” to help reassure anxious Oscar. Singing “The wheels on the trolley” as he transferred Oscar (aged one) from the Resus unit to the Hedgehog children’s ward for treatment, he brought a smile to Oscar’s face despite him being unwell with breathing difficulties at the time.

Oscar’s mum, Olivia Arnold commented: “Jonathan sang to Oscar the whole way, making him smile and laugh – something his dad and I hadn’t been able to do in days.

“He was amazing, and really cheered up a very anxious mum and scared baby. He really was a little glimmer of light in a very scary and stressful week.”

Jonathan, has worked at the Trust for 20 years, the last five as a porter in the Emergency Department at Tunbridge Wells Hospital. He commented: “I tell jokes and sing to patients to try and make them less anxious and more at ease in troubled times.

“I am pleased that I was able to support Oscar and his parents during his stay with us and spread a little happiness”.

MTW NHS Trust’s Chief Executive Miles Scott, said: “Porters are at the heart of delivering outstanding care for our patients, making sure patients are at the right place at the right time to receive their treatment.

“Every member of the MTW team makes a real difference and helps us to deliver outstanding care for our patients.”

Jonathan is known for his kindness and at Christmas time can be seen spreading festive cheer, dressed as Father Christmas, last year delivering homemade reindeer pencils and candy canes to young patients in the Emergency Department.

After a short stay in hospital, Oscar (pictured below) was discharged and is now back to being a fit and healthy young boy with plenty of energy!

 A short video of Jonathan singing to Oscar can be viewed here. Thanks to Olivia Arnold and Adam Mellor for sharing this footage.