Driving a Formula 1 car, riding a roller coaster and visiting magical destinations across the world.
Just a few of the exciting experiences enjoyed by patients at East Cheshire Hospice without even leaving Macclesfield.
Virtual reality headsets allow patients to fulfil their dreams from inside the comfort and safety of the Hospice.
The VR headsets were donated by NFON UK, a subsidiary of NFON AG, a leading European provider of integrated cloud business communications.
The new technology has benefits for staff and patients.
Myles Leach, Managing Director of NFON UK, visited the hospice to see VR in action.
He said: “We’re delighted to support the incredible work of East Cheshire Hospice. It’s inspiring to see how technology can make such a positive impact on patient care and create meaningful moments for the people who need it most.”
Conor Stubbs, Head of IT at the Hospice, said: “We’re extremely grateful to NFON UK for their generous donation of these VR headsets.
Myles Leach (right) from NFON UK hands VR headsets to Conor Stubbs at East Cheshire Hospice.
“The technology allows patients to revisit familiar local landmarks or explore places of personal significance.
“Virtual reality gives us an incredible opportunity to promote emotional wellbeing and create meaningful experiences for our patients.
“It’s about finding ways to truly enrich the lives of those we care for.
“The equipment will also play a key role in staff training, developing skills and further improving quality of care.”
VR helps promote relaxation, either through walks in forests, on beaches and other spaces. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety.
There are plans to customise content, create a virtual Hospice tour and library and set up clinical training apps and learning resources. VR can also be used to monitor health data.
Here is a sample of patient feedback:
“I loved the F1 car video and the Subaru rally simulator. It felt like I was behind the wheel experiencing the speed, excitement and adrenalin rush.”
“I saw the Eiffel Tower, Egyptian pyramids and enjoyed a 360-degree sky dive.”
“Best thing ever. The closest I’ll get to the Maldives, especially the beach and I loved the stingrays.”
For one patient a trip on a bullet train in Tokyo was on his wish list, while an app allowed others to draw in an immersive 3D environment.
The Hospice are also using headsets loaned by Macclesfield and District General Hospital last summer as part of their strategy to aid patients through technology.
Back to all newsThank you so much for choosing to support East Cheshire Hospice. You may never know how much your gift means, but we know that it will make the world of difference to our patients and their families.
