The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH) have installed the latest visual technology to their Radiology department to help calm and distract young children undergoing MRI scans.
Now displayed on the walls of RUH’s MRI anaesthetic room, a large ‘living picture’ will help anxious children relax just before they are given a general anaesthetic before their scan.
The technology is essentially an illuminated screen which shows a variety of both static and moving pictures. Eight different scenes are available to choose from, including an underwater shipwreck scene and a calming Caribbean beach scene.
Di Pressdee, Team Lead Radiographer, said: "The living picture is a fantastic addition to the Radiology department. It has really brightened up our MRI anaesthetic room and is a great distraction for the children when they arrive for their scan as they are often anxious.
"When they wake from the anaesthetic they can sometimes be upset, so it is a really useful relaxing influence in the room. It really has helped create a much more pleasant and calming environment.
"I'd like to thank Time is Precious for funding such a wonderful bit of technology which will have such a positive impact on the experiences of some of our youngest patients."
The new technology has been funded by the charity, Time is Precious, whose aim is to create a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for children and their families when they’re at hospital.
They do this by purchasing equipment and refurbishing areas designated for children – the charity have donated over £300,000 to RUH in the form of equipment and renovations.
The charity recently paid for a specialised DVD player so that patients could watch their favourite movie whilst undergoing their MRI scan. Time is Precious have also raised £33,000 for improvements to RUH’s Children’s Ward garden.
The charity was setup by in 2011 by Neil and Nicky Halford commemorating their son, Ben, who passed away from cancer at five-years-old.
Neil said: "We are honoured to support the RUH. It remains a special place in our hearts, especially after the care given to Ben. Everything we have purchased would have benefitted him so much - distraction is a big key whilst in hospital, especially for children.
"We appreciate everyone who supports us. It means we can help children whilst they are in hospital, as this is such a stressful time for them and their family.
"We appreciate every bit of support. If you would like to fundraise for us to help the RUH please email us at [email protected] We have some very exciting projects coming up, and we will need everyone behind us to make a difference."
More information about RUH’s latest innovation is available here.
