Age isn’t a barrier when it comes to using digital technology.
Palliative care staff embracing technology to celebrate a special birthday for a patient.
We recently had an elderly gentleman who was admitted to Ward 2 in West Cumberland Hospital with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19. His family didn’t live locally and due to the restrictions he was unable to have any visitors and didn’t see anyone apart from his health care team.
The healthcare staff kept in touch with his daughter to keep her updated. Understandably, his family were upset at the prospect of not being able to see him for his 101st birthday on 10th May.
The ward were given an iPad to help patients and families to keep in touch during this period. They organised a video call so that they could all wish him a happy birthday together. He was able to see them all and they were able to wish him a happy birthday despite the current restrictions on visiting in person.
A family member said, “Thank you so much for making today’s birthday wishes meeting with dad happen. It was good to be able to wish him happy birthday. We all appreciate the work you and the team are putting in to care for dad under such difficult circumstances.
“I hope you get the facilities to be able host more meetings for other families. This was my first time as host and it was a little bumpy – but it’s all experience for the next time! Thank you again for taking such good care of dad.”
We are delighted that the patient has remained stable and has now been discharged to a nursing home in South Cumbria to be closer to his family.
The trust is operating a special Message to Loved Ones service for families to send messages to patients during the Coronavirus and while visiting remains suspended at our sites.
Anyone wanting to send a message to a relative in hospital should contact: Freephone: 0800 633 5547 or 01228 814008 or email PALS@ncic.nhs.uk