Ten tablet computers have been donated by the Somerset Freemasons for patients being cared for in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.
David Medlock presenting the tablets to Margi Jenkins, Matron of the ICU
David Medlock, Provincial Grand Master of the Somerset Freemasons said: “We are delighted to provide these tablets and we hope that by providing these tablets they will give some comfort to patients as they will be able to use video messaging and connect with their loved ones during their time in hospital.”
Margi Jenkins, RUH Critical Care Matron said: “With the current visiting restrictions in place, it makes it hard for patients and their relatives to communicate, so by having these tablets for them to use, it will go some way to ease that difficulty.
“Furthermore, we’ll use the tablets to help those who are unable to speak to communicate with our staff, as well as a source of entertainment for patients who start the process of coming off ventilation.”
As well as showing their support for the RUH, the Somerset Freemasons have also been helping provide free meals to people in Bath and North East Somerset, financial support to foodbanks and some Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), totalling over £45,000 of gifts in kind.
David said: “We have also been able to fund a further 10 tablets for the hospitals in Weston Super Mare, Taunton and Yeovil and a further five tablets have also been given to The Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) and to a Masonic Care home in Exeter.
“As an organisation we are in the process of delivering over 1,000 computer tablets to hospitals throughout England and Wales.
“Like many other people during this challenging time, we all wanted to help as best we can.”
