Virtual visits: New scheme allows hospital patients to see loved ones more often

The facility has already been enabled for both the special care baby unit and the end of life care team, although plans are being developed to make the innovation more widely available in the coming months.

The end of life care team – also know as palliative care – also provides emotional support to relatives and friends, something that has become increasingly difficult in recent weeks, due to the social distancing measures that have been put in place across the country.

As such, the team has been working tirelessly to adapt its service.

Loved ones can now keep in touch with patients by emailing a letter to dedicated volunteers at who will then print them off and then safely hand them over to the intended recipient.

What’s more, if the recipient is unable to read their letter, then a member of staff will be able to speak it aloud for them.

And the team can now arrange ‘virtual visits’ using android devices.

Co-ordinated by ward staff, these video calls help people get together remotely, without having to worry about the restrictions that would apply for an in-person visit.

Karen Lanaghan, lead nurse at end of life care services, said: ‘’The global situation has unfortunately forced us to curtail visits, for the sake of wider patient safety.

“By having access to this technology, we can at least provide a way through which people can speak to their loved ones, see their faces, and feel together.’’

Scott Ashmore, ICT network manager at the trust, added: ‘’I am fortunate to work with such a dedicated team

“This is obviously a very trying time for all, and we are just doing what we can to make things a little bit easier.

“I really hope that patients and their loved ones take some comfort and reassurance in knowing that, despite everything that is going on, they can keep in touch whilst in hospital.”