Saff at Maidstone ICU ward

Tablet computers are being given to high dependency patients to help them recover from illness

Patients in intensive care and high dependency units will soon benefit from new equipment to help them be more comfortable during their stay and recover more quickly from their illness.

The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has been given £8,000 so Maidstone Hospital can buy items as diverse as hand weights, a mobile reclining chair, wall clocks and tablet computers.

The equipment will help patients to talk with their families and staff, take some gentle exercise or be taken outdoors in better weather.

Medics say patients on high dependency wards can often experience feelings of isolation and anxiety owing to the nature of their critical illness.

The innovative idea is designed to enhance their physical and psychological wellbeing while they are being treated.

Staff on the wards had to make a bid as part of a NHS South of England’s Innovation Adoption Challenge to get the money.

Tim Collins and Bec Seaman are ICU educators, who facilitated the team’s bid for the funding

Mr Collins said: “Naturally, we have a great deal of sophisticated equipment here with which to treat our patients but this money is for simpler, more fundamental things which will also aid recovery.

The unit frequently cares for patients who are awake and alert but have a tracheostomy 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.

Mr Collins said: “Weights will help people exercise, keep their muscles in good shape and prevent them from wasting – 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.

“We were up against a tight deadline to ensure our application was submitted on time 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.”