Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital patients benefit from iPad stands

Patients who have stayed in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) and the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) at the Norfolk and Norwich Univerity Hospital (NNUH) have been praising the iPad holders which are being used to watch films and television.

In 2016, NNUH designed and developed an articulated arm to place iPads on.

The arm is an extendable pole which is fixed to the iPad and then secured to the side of a patient's bed.

Tim Leary, NNUH consultant anaesthetist, said: 'Since the arms have been in use on the unit, our patients have been very grateful, explaining how it has helped keep boredom away whilst they are in hospital.'

The aim of the arm is to help enhance patient experience and keep patients' minds stimulated.

The iPads also feature applications for those with communication difficulties, such as trachesotomy patients, who can also use the iPads to communicate.

Mark Fowler, NNUH senior medical equipment technician, said: 'The articulated arm I created is secure and stable with special poles, so that the patient can adjust the iPad to wherever is most comfortable for them.

'It is fantastic that patients are seeing real benefits from the articulated arm.'

Currently there are six stands on the unit, with potential plans build more in the future.

Originally the idea had come from Sandra Milburn, who fundraised for the iPads and articulated arms to ensure patients could keep their brains active.

Mrs Milburn's husband, Charlie Milburn, spent 80 days in critical care before he died in 2011.

Mrs Milburn said: 'I am delighted to hear of the positive impact the iPads and stands are having on patients in regards to both communication and entertainment.

'As a family, we wanted to raise money for the NNUH ITU as a thanks for the care and support they gave to us all in what were very challenging times for us.

'It seemed appropriate to spend the money on something that Charlie himself mentioned.'