West Sussex hospital trust secures ipads and smartphones, and launches messaging service so patients can contact loved ones

Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has secured 42 iPads and a number of smartphones that have been put in wipe-clean protective cases and are available on the wards for voice and video calls between patients and their loved ones.

Chief Nurse, Maggie Davies, said: “When someone you care about is in hospital, you want to be in touch.

“You want to be able to check how they are, tell them they are loved and reassure them that you are thinking of them and want them to get better as quickly as possible.

“Even though we can’t let a lot of people in to say that face to face, we want to make sure those messages can still get through.

“The visiting restrictions we have had to put in place are essential to keep patients and staff safe from infection, but we are determined to continue to find alternatives that support our patients and their loved ones.”

The trust has also launched a new personal messaging service.

The service is available 24/7 by email and telephone for people to leave messages for patients.

Dr Davies said: “It’s hard enough when someone you care about is in hospital, but when you can’t visit them it’s even harder.

“And while our ward staff give outstanding care, we know people are feeling isolated in our hospitals without regular visiting to look forward to.

“Our patients do better with personal contact from the people they love, so we are doing all we can to use technology to keep people in touch.”