TV Access for Patients with Learning Disabilities
19 January 2024
This grant was funded to help support patients and staff by providing the patients with an enjoyable activity, which also positively impacted the patients' mental health.
Melisa Clarke, an Acute Liaison Nurse at St George’s Hospital, explained: “Patients with learning disabilities can often struggle being in a new environment, particularly in hospital and having access to the TV provides a distraction and something familiar to them.
“We found patients who rely on carers may not have access to funds therefore the Charity fund has been exceptional in supporting this.”
The report also noted access to the TV service helped improve patients’ mental health, as it was a distraction to their current medical situation.
For one patient experiencing distress and exhibiting challenging behaviour, access to the TV resulted in a remarkable transformation. Incidents ceased, as the TV helped make the patient feel more comfortable and calmer.
Not only did the grant benefit patients and staff alike, but it received positive feedback from carers. Melisa reported: “Some carers have thanked the team for being able to access this as sometimes activities like colouring etc can become boring for the patient.” She also highlighted the benefit to carers, noting the service allowed carers some respite and supported them in providing distraction and comfort for the patient.
Rebecca Clay, Grants Officer at St George’s Hospital Charity, said: “I am delighted to hear about the positive impact the grant has had not only on supporting vulnerable patients in hospital but their carers and the hospital staff.”
To help fund initiatives and grants like this consistently we rely on our regular donors, to help us to ensure we can plan our grant-making long-term.
