THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER, 2015

PHOTOGRAPHS ATTACHED: 1 – L-R (BACK) MAY DUNCAN, DOUG CROSS AND SENIOR CHARGE NURSE CATHERINE BORLAND WITH (FRONT) PATIENTS CONNOR PATERSON AND JAMIE CRAIG

2 – RENAL CONSULTANT DR DREW HENDERSON AND PATIENT JOHN PYTLOWANYJ

NHS Tayside helping patients stay connected with free wifi

Patients at hospitals in NHS Tayside can now enjoy free internet access thanks to support from Tayside Health Fund, which is the NHS Tayside registered charity.

As part of NHS Tayside’s commitment to patient care and wellbeing, a new patient wifi service has been rolled out at hospitals across the region.

Patients at Ninewells, Stracathro and Perth Royal Infirmary can connect to the patient wifi in all ward and treatment areas which have wireless access.

They will be able to use the internet for general browsing, emails and social media sites, as well as video calling services in order to stay in touch with friends and relatives whilst in hospital.

Vice Chair of NHS Tayside Doug Cross said, “I am delighted that Tayside Health Fund has been able to provide this service for our patients. Being in hospital can be an isolating experience for people and access to a free wifi service can help patients keep in touch with family and friends, as well as providing entertainment and a distraction from their illness or injury.”

Senior play specialist May Duncan added, “It’s a lifeline for the patients in Tayside Children’s Hospital as it provides a link between their life in hospital and their friends and family. We had some limited wifi before but now it’s available throughout the whole ward so the kids can use it from their beds.”

The wifi is also making a big difference to patients in areas such as the renal unit which sees patients spend hours at a time undergoing dialysis. Patient John Pytlowanyj comes in to Ninewells Hospital three times a week for renal dialysis which takes four hours each visit.

John said, “I bring in my own computer which I can use to watch videos or browse the internet. I also like to play online games like draughts, it helps to pass the time when I’m in hospital so often.”

Tayside Health Fund agreed to pay for the service, which will cost around £35,000 per year, mainly from the proceeds of its gift shop at Ninewells. NHS Tayside also contributed funds to upgrade the existing infrastructure.

The gift shop, located in the main concourse at Ninewells, offers a range of gifts, toys, greeting cards, jewellery, ladies scarves and bags, candles and handmade soap. Since opening last year the gift shop has proved popular with staff, patients and visitors to the hospital.

Tayside Health Fund is generously funded by donations and legacies from patients, families, carers, the communities of Tayside and other organisations.

Donations to the Fund can be used for many things including buying items for patients that will make their stay in hospital more comfortable, introducing new pioneering ways of delivering care, providing funds for research projects, building new facilities or providing educational and training opportunities for staff.

To donate online or for further information about the Fund including ways to donate and help and advice about fundraising, visit www.taysidehealthfund.scot.nhs.uk

Notes to Editors:

What is the Tayside Health Fund?

Tayside Health Fund is a Registered Scottish Charity which supports NHS Tayside hospitals and services. It is supported by donations and legacies from patients, their relatives, the general public and other organisations.

The fund makes a big difference to patients and their families across Tayside and that is why we are grateful for every single penny which we receive.

What are donations used for?

Donations will support local NHS hospitals and services in NHS Tayside. You can specify that you would like your donation to benefit a particular ward, department, service or facility within NHS Tayside or you can donate to our general fund which can be used for a variety of purposes including:

• Buying extra items for patients which will make their visit or stay more comfortable

• Supporting major projects, such as a new unit, an extension or a facility upgrade

• Introducing new pioneering ways of delivering care

• Supporting new medical research

• Supporting Volunteer Services

• Supporting extra educational and training opportunities for staff

• Providing additional support to patients in the community

Where do I get more fundraising information?

There is information and advice about fundraising on our website at www.taysidehealthfund.scot.nhs.uk

You can also contact the Fundraising Support Office on 01382 740828.

Contact:

Louise Wilson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718