Young patients at The Great North Children’s Hospital are benefiting from the use of a new virtual reality headset – thanks to the generous supporters of Newcastle Hospitals Charity.
The team at The Great North Children’s Hospital, used funding from Newcastle Hospitals Charity to secure a VR headset, in partnership with DR.VR.
The technology – used by patients in appointments for minor procedures and blood monitoring – helps to reduce anxiety – significantly improving their experience.
Since the headset has been in use the number of patients feeling anxiety-free has more than doubled and there has also been a reduction in the use of Entonox – often used to control pain and anxiety during minor procedures.
Speaking about VR headset, one patient said: “It was a very good experience and way better with the VR headset. I felt less anxious and didn’t feel myself being cannulated.”
The patient’s parent added: “This was an amazing piece of kit. My daughter has medical anxiety and has always been very anxious around being cannulated. She normally gets upset and pulls away when the nurses are looking for a vein and also around being cannulated.
“With this on she was calm and relaxed and didn’t even know it had been done.”
This project is just one of more than 700 that has received funding from the Charity in the last year with more than £9.5 million has been allocated to support projects across Newcastle Hospitals.
Teri Bayliss, charity director at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, said: “It is amazing to see the impact that the VR headsets have had so far for our young patients in reducing their anxiety and improving the overall patient experience.
“Our goal – whether through research or investment – is to make sure our hospitals are a welcoming, comfortable environment for everyone – this project shows what can be done to with the right investment and using advancing technology to make hospital is a space feel comfortable now and into the future.”
To find out how you can fundraise for Newcastle Hospitals Charity, please visit our website.
