Wigan hospital patients can contact loved ones via iPad thanks to council donation

Wigan Council’s IT team handed over 60 tablets to counterparts at Wigan Infirmary as public services continue to work in close partnership to tackle Covid-19.

The technology will help patients who are isolated for medical reasons keep in contact with those who are unable to visit in person.

Council leader Coun David Molyneux said: “We have been saying from day one that it is very much a team effort and we are working hand-in-hand with all of our public service partners across the borough.

“I’m sure everyone would want to join me in thanking our frontline staff and echoing the continued support for our fantastic NHS staff.

“This donation will help provide reassurance for patients that they can stay connected with those close to them, which is vital in the current situation we find ourselves.”

The iPads will supplement another system set up at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust to help families stay in touch.

A dedicated mailbox has been established for patients via email and the messages will be printed and delivered to the ward.

Garry Harris, the trust's acting associate director of information management and technology, said: “It is fantastic to be part of the WWL tech team, supporting the trust’s frontline staff.

“We are so proud that we can deploy this technology, which was so kindly donated by Wigan Council, in such a way to help patients keep in touch with their loved ones.This initiative will make such a positive difference to the lives of our patients and their families.”

The daughters of Catherine Baker, acting service delivery manager at the trust, spent their weekend setting up the iPads ready to be used.

She said: “My daughters Charlotte and Emma are 16 years old and are currently in their final year at Holy Cross High School in Chorley.

“They each volunteered to help build the iPads and spent eight-and-a-half hours each on Easter Sunday building 42 iPads to enable patients to communicate with their families.”

Council and health service bosses continue to work in partnership during the coronavirus pandemic.

The council has set up a discharge unit at the Mercure Hotel, near Wigan Infirmary, to help residents who have left hospital care recuperate before returning home.

And local authority car parks have been free to use for NHS and essential workers.

To send your message to your loved one, email [email protected].

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