Young patients who are due to have an operation at the Royal United Hospital in Bath can now take a virtual reality tour of the Children’s Ward and operating theatres ahead of their procedure.
Two films have been produced and uploaded to the RUH’s website, thanks to funding from the Time is Precious charity, which aim to show young patients what to expect when they come to the hospital and help calm any nerves.
The films were made by Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Rebecca Leslie and one features her daughter Sadie when she came to the hospital for an operation.
There are two videos, one aimed at children aged under eight, and another for those aged eight and above.
They were filmed before the COVID-19 pandemic, so some staff may be seen wearing less PPE than they would now.
Subjects covered in the films include:
- A tour of the Children’s Ward and play area
- Having your blood pressure and temperature taken
- Staff wearing PPE
- Having your anaesthetic, or ‘sleep medicine’
- An all-important reminder to bring your favourite teddy with you
Rebecca said: “The films aim to make our young patients, and their parents, less anxious about coming to the hospital by showing them what to expect.
“We already have a couple of films on the website, but we felt it was time to update them and by using virtual reality we could give patients a much better look around the department.
“We find that patients who have seen the film are much more calm and relaxed when they arrive at the RUH.
“They also know what having an anaesthetic is like, which is just what we were hoping for.
“The videos have been funded completely by the Time is Precious charity, who do so much for the hospital. I can’t thank them enough – the difference they are making for our youngest patients is invaluable.”
Neil Halford, from Time is Precious, said: “It’s an honour to fund these films which will help so many children who visit the RUH for a procedure.
“It’s been a tough 12 months for fundraising, but thanks to our supporters we can still support projects like this, which makes a massive difference.”
You can view the films here.
