iPads with Skype and Houseparty apps helping combat loneliness among isolated Northampton General patients

Northampton General Hospital has introduced a different way for isolated patients to have contact with their loved ones.

iPads that have apps such as Skype, Zoom and Houseparty downloaded on them have been distributed to patients so they can keep in contact with their loved ones via video call.

The tablets that are also loaded with on-demand apps like Netflix and Disney+, games and news apps are being shared with patients on other wards that do not currently have Hospedia - the bedside television service.

Head of patient experience and engagement Rachel Lovesy said: “It is really important for our patients to be able to keep in touch with their loved ones, particularly during these unprecedented times.

“To protect staff and patients, the hospital has had to place restrictions on visitors and this can make patients feel isolated and lonely.

“Some of our wards do not currently have bedside entertainment TVs, mainly due to them being designated as short stay wards. This can make the days seem even longer as there is little distraction.

“For this reason the hospital has sourced a number of iPads from old stock within the hospital and Kindle Fires donated to our hospital charity.

“The tablets are packed with communication and entertainment apps and with the support of staff, patients have been able to video call family members.

“We will continue to source more over the coming weeks to ensure our patients are fully supported during this difficult time.”

Patients are currently sharing the tablets as hospital staff ensure strict infection prevention procedures are followed and the iPads are disinfected after each use.

However a charity that works alongside the hospital is now hoping to secure more tablets.

Alison McCulloch, head of fundraising at Northamptonshire Health Charity, added: “We are appealing for donations of tablets, of funds towards the purchase of tablets so that patients have the chance of seeing the faces of their loved ones at a time where they need love and support.

“With no hospital visiting allowed at this time, technology really does have a place in the care of our patients.

“Some patients are receiving end of life care so the importance of being in contact with family could not be more vital.”

In order to continue to provide these services the charity has set up an Amazon wish list.

If members of the public want to help, the wish list can be found here or email [email protected] to contact the charity about other donations.