KCOM ‘tablets for hospitals’ keep patients connected with loved ones

Despite the best efforts of NHS heroes, being away from friends and family while you receive essential treatment can make a hospital stay a lonely experience – especially when patients are forced to isolate from loved ones due to Covid-19.

But KCOM is helping to keep patients connected during these unprecedented times by donating 26 Surface Go 2 64Gb tablets worth over  £10,000 to Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust through their official charity WISHH.

The cutting edge Microsoft tablets will be available to use, free of charge, to patients in seven Wi-Fi enabled wards across Hull Royal Infirmary and The Queen’s Centre for Oncology and Haematology at Castle Hill Hospital, meaning patients will be able to keep in regular contact with their families - all while keeping at a safe distance.

The tablets will also enable patients from our diverse communities to access translation services when seeking medical support in other hospital departments, and will enable staff to access health and mindfulness apps during their breaks to help support their mental health and wellbeing.

Dale Raneberg, KCOM chief executive officer, said: “We know the past few months have been especially hard for people in hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic as they’ve not been able to see their loved ones due to the necessary social distancing measures.

“As a local business that’s all about keeping people connected, we thought the best way we could help was to give patients and staff at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital the ability to stay in touch and access the support they need. Hopefully these tablets will make life a little easier for people who are facing perhaps the most challenging times of their lives.

“KCOM is a company that’s committed to the local community, we’ll do whatever we can do to help improve the quality of life for people across East Yorkshire when they need us most.”

Patient Maureen Baker, who is currently receiving treatment in Ward 33 at the Queen’s Centre, Castle Hill Hospital, said the tablet would enable her to stay in touch with friends and family members.

Maureen said: “I’d like to thank KCOM for this very kind and thoughtful donation.  We patients appreciate your kindness. Being able to connect with our families is crucial, especially in this Covid pandemic, and having the opportunity to speak with my granddaughters Emma and Charlotte and see their babies George, who is two weeks old, and Noah, six months, is truly wonderful and has really made my day. Thank you and God Bless.”

Patient Christina Woodward who is also receiving care in the Queen’s Centre also had the opportunity to catch up with her good friend of 39 years, Joan. They speak several times a day on the telephone, but to see each other using the tablet has been fantastic.

Christina said: “Joan and I haven’t seen each other since March as we have both been shielding and to catch up today face to face from hospital with my good friend has lifted my spirits.  I can’t stop smiling.”

Lee Bond, Chief Finance Officer at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful to KCOM for this generous gesture. Since the pandemic began we have had no choice but to implement strict visiting rules in our hospitals for the safety of our patients, staff and visitors. This has regrettably left a lot of patients feeling isolated or cut off from their families and loved ones. This KCOM donation now offers at least some of them the opportunity to stay in touch throughout their hospital stay.  

“We would also like to thank Dixons Carphone PLC who supplied the equipment through KCOM to help make a difference to patients and staff at Hull Hospitals.”