Zest have placed a series of patient information screens into busy waiting areas within Derriford Hospital, these include Out Patients, Fracture Clinic and the Emergency Department. The screens have been installed so as to provide patients with useful information; which includes health promotion advice, the location of shops, cafes, restaurants and other services. Interspaced with this information are images taken from our annual staff photographic exhibition. The screens help to alleviate stress and boredom whilst also imparting important patient information. The screens have proved to be popular with both patients and staff, with one patient commented on the fact that the screens are "very gentle and relaxing" and that they are delighted not to be bombarded with daytime television which they would find quite anxiety provoking.
Another patient describes waiting for his appointment:
"The other day I sat for quite a while in the main outpatients department
At Derriford Hospital. It was my annual check up to make sure my
cancer hadn't returned. I wasn't particularly nervous, but as time passed
it was difficult not to fret. However, what was different this time was sitting
opposite the new flatscreens. I found the changing pictures of various local
scenes very calming and they helped me to put aside some of my concerns.
I think this is a wonderful initiative & I look forward to see what is different
next year when I visit outpatients again."
