Fife hospital patients can keep in touch with family and friends thanks to the purchase of 55 new iPads.
Other than a few exceptions, visiting has been suspended at hospitals across the region to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The new i-Pads mean patients can use video calling software to stay connected with loved ones.
They were funded by the Fife Health Board Endowment Fund, a registered charity which last week received a £500,000 donation from an anonymous benefactor.
The order was the idea of Alzheimer Scotland dementia nurse consultant Helen Skinner.
She said: “Initially, I wanted to purchase iPads for older patients in hospital with dementia as I was concerned about the impact the restrictions on access would have on them.
“Being in a strange place with strange noises, smells, people and routines can potentially be very distressing for people with dementia and not being able to have relatives visit can compound this.
“However, when I though about it I wanted to do something that would help all hospital patients and alleviate some of the stress that the suspension of visiting brings in general.
“Hopefully these iPads will provide reassurance, comfort and a little bit of happiness for both patients and relatives or friends at what is a difficult time.”
Helen reserved special thanks for NHS Fife’s e-health team who had organised the iPads so quickly.
“These iPads have to be specially configured for use in our hospitals and their tireless work has been crucial in setting this up so quickly.”
