Aiming to enhance Gloucestershire patients’ wellbeing, lift spirits and make time in hospital care feel more positive, those required to spend a long time in hospital will be able to 'visit' some of the county's most popular attractions, using a virtual reality headset.
On a mission to bring moments of joy and tranquillity through immersive 360-degree videos, patients will be able to explore new destinations, revisit cherished places or find solace in familiar surroundings such as Gloucester Cathedral, Puzzlewood or Symonds Yat — as well as watching a rugby match.
Currently, the trial is available to patients in oncology and the department of critical care across both Gloucestershire Hospitals, providing people with a sense of escape, connection and comfort.
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson, said: 'We have already curated a collection of stunning local hotspots and we are collaborating with businesses and organisations across the county to expand our library of content.
'So far, we have had the privilege of working with Puzzlewood, Dean Forest Railway and Bristol Zoo Project to capture some breathtaking footage.
'We look forward to partnering with more locations including Gloucester Cathedral and Gloucester Rugby, to enhance this offering further in the coming months.'
Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria have been developed to support the trial in identifying patients who are suitable to use VR safely and effectively in an acute hospital setting and patient consent is required to use the headsets.
