Burnham-On-Sea Hospital has unveiled £12,500 of high-tech equipment this week that will help provide crucial memory therapy to patients with dementia, head injuries or the after-effects of strokes.
The hospital in Love Lane has been able to buy the new digital equipment thanks to a donation of £9,600 from Burnham-On-Sea and Berrow Golf club and a further £2,900 from the Friends of Burnham Hospital.
A short ceremony was held on Thursday (March 29th) to unveil the new ‘My Improvement Network’ equipment, which uses interactive touch screen tablets to access personal photos, patients’ favourite music, TV programmes and life stories.
A profile can be built about each patient, which can include their likes and dislikes, as well as information about their family and friends.
The aim of using the equipment is to help stimulate conversations between patients, their families, and staff. It can also be used to help staff provide more personalised care.
The software is currently in use at Bridgwater and Wellington Hospitals and has also been ordered by Weston Hospital.
Caroline Tredwin, Dementia and Liaison Champion at Burnham-On-Sea Hospital, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This system helps patients to recall memories, which is really helpful in their recovery and rehabilitation.”
“Sometimes when you see a patient with cognitive impairment it can be difficult to know what to say and to keep the conversation going.”
“This software can be used as a tool so relatives can, for example, talk about family photos or find music that their family member likes.”
“They can have music uploaded which the patient enjoys and can help with relaxation for that person.”
“What’s really helpful is that we can use the tablets on a one-to-one basis at patients’ bedsides, or we can gather several patients around a big TV monitor and play games or take part in one of the many quizzes contained within the programme.”
Pictured: Ceri Joyce Marketing & Publicity – Friends; Peter Amos – Burnham & Berrow Club Captain 2017; Bernard Spilsbury Chairman – Friends; Jane Moreton – Burnham & Berrow Ladies Captain 2017; Caroline Tredwin – Dementia and Liaison Champion at Burnham Hospital
