Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals has invested over £22,000 in interactive therapy devices for patients with additional needs.
The RITA devices (Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities) are touch-screen systems that offer entertainment and engagement for hospital patients. They feature quizzes, musical instruments and television programmes from the 1950s and 60s.
Staff on Mallard Ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary say the devices have made a real difference. Patients can use them independently or in groups, helping to reduce boredom and anxiety during hospital stays. The devices also aid communication for patients with speech difficulties, who can use body diagrams to point out where they are in pain.
Julie Wragg, a Corporate Nurse at DBTH, explained the benefit: "Our teams will watch patients to prevent them falling but there isn't always engagement with them. The RITA has opened up a way for them to pass the time and build up rapport and trust."
The devices can also reduce the need for medication to settle distressed patients, the trust said.
Patient Trevor Holder, 88, has used the RITA to watch musicals including Oklahoma and Calamity Jane. He said: "It passes the time and helps to have some entertainment while I'm here."
The devices were funded by donations to DBTH Charity, the official charity supporting Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals.