Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has funded three iPads for use across Hywel Dda children’s outpatient departments, helping to improve the experience of children and young patients attending hospital appointments and undergoing medical procedures.
The iPads, worth over £1,200, will be used as digital distraction tools to support children and young people during outpatient appointments.
Digital distraction techniques are increasingly recognised as effective tools in paediatric healthcare settings. By engaging with games, videos and interactive content, children can focus their attention away from treatments such as vaccinations, blood tests and other outpatient interventions, helping to reduce their perception of pain and anxiety. The approach can also improve cooperation with healthcare staff during procedures, create more positive experiences and help build trust between young patients, their families and healthcare professionals.
Karen Thomas, Head of Therapeutic Play, said: “We are delighted that generous donations from our local communities have enabled us to purchase these iPads.
“Attending hospital appointments can be an anxious experience for many children. Digital distraction techniques are a simple but highly effective way of helping them feel calmer, more in control and less fearful during procedures. By providing engaging and age-appropriate activities, these devices will help create a more positive experience for children and their families while supporting our staff to deliver care in a compassionate and child-friendly way.”
Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “We are very pleased to support the therapeutic play team by funding these iPads for children’s outpatient departments across Hywel Dda.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales.
