Maidstone, Kent -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/02/2012 -- Patients in intensive care and high-dependency units are soon to benefit from new equipment to help them achieve greater comfort during their stay, and speed their recovery from illness. The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has been given $8,000 to buy items for Maidstone Hospital, including hand weights, a mobile reclining chair, wall clocks, and tablet computers. “People on extended stays in hospital can often feel very isolated from the outside world,” said a source from DCM Marketing Services, “This equipment will really help the patients to pass the time easier.”
Patients on high-dependency wards, will often experience feelings of anxiety and isolation, said medical staff. This innovative move is an attempt to enhance their physical and psychological wellbeing while they are being treated, by allowing them to talk with their families and staff, enjoy some gentle exercise, and even go outside when the weather is good. Our DCM Marketing Services source said, “It’s a fantastic idea. I can’t imagine the comfort it will provide to people, at a time when that’s so important.”
Staff on the wards made the bid to get the money as part of NHS South of England’s Innovation Adoption Challenge. The team’s bid for funding was facilitated by Tim Collins and Bec Seaman, who are ICU educators. “Naturally, we have a great deal of sophisticated equipment here with which to treat our patients,” said Mr. Collins, “but this money is for simpler, more fundamental things which will also aid recovery.”
Mr. Collins went on to say, “The unit frequently cares for patients who are awake and alert but have a tracheotomy in situ to support their breathing leaving them unable to talk. This often becomes frustrating for both staff and patients. It is hoped the tablet computers will allow patients to communicate more easily with friends and family.”
“Weights will help people exercise, keep their muscles in good shape and prevent them from wasting,” Mr. Collins added, “which can happen after only a few days of non use. The tablet computers will enable patients to communicate with staff and relatives, helping them to express themselves more easily by giving them a voice. The wheeled chair and additional stands mean we can take a patient outside, complete with attachments and portable ventilators.”
Our DCM Marketing Services contact added, “It’s really great that funds like this are out there to provide opportunities to improve ICU care.”
“We were up against a tight deadline to ensure our application was submitted on time,” said Mr. Collins, “and I would like to pay tribute to the whole team for their passion and support in achieving this award as it is going to make a real difference for our patients.”
http://www.kentnews.co.uk/news/computers_set_to_help_intensive_care_patients_in_maidstone_1_1212178