We are thrilled to share some exciting developments from our Virtual Royal Infirmary (VRI) Programme. Over the last few months, our VRI programme team has been collaborating with various departments and specialties to bring you a range of exceptional digital patient education tools. These innovative resources aim to enhance the experience of patients and empower both patients and their families.
Helping children and families navigate their way through paediatric surgery
Consultant anaesthetist, Dr Karen Eaves-Lai has worked with colleagues to develop online information designed specifically for families embarking on a journey through surgery. Through a series of engaging videos, parents and children can now get a sneak peek into what to expect during their hospital stay. From arrival and anaesthetic options to waiting areas and post-surgery communication, this information provides a comprehensive guide. It also introduces the staff behind the scenes, including the theatre escort, anaesthetist, operating department practitioner, surgeon, and recovery nurse.
Consultant Anaesthetist, Dr. Karen Eaves-Lai, emphasised the site’s significance: “We want to alleviate concerns and provide families with a familiar face every step of the way. This online information complements the information provided by our dedicated ward staff, anaesthetists, and surgeons.” Explore the Paediatric Surgical Inpatient Journey microsite.
Revolutionising Fracture Care with the Virtual Fracture Clinic
Fracture patients often receive information leaflets that can easily be misplaced or damaged. To provide additional support for patients, our orthopaedic consultants and specialist physiotherapists have developed an online web app. This app features concise video guidance to aid recovery at home, reducing the need for patients to reach out for reassurance.
The videos are presented by clinicians and cover pain management, exercise initiation, exercise selection, and frequency. Access the Virtual Fracture Clinic.
Guiding Patients Along the Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Pathway
For patients and their families facing Oesophageal or Gastric Cancer surgery, our Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Patient Cancer Pathway micro-site offers invaluable assistance. A series of brief videos guides patients through their journey, explaining chemotherapy services and surgery pathways in detail. Additionally, frequently asked questions are addressed, covering recovery duration, wound healing, pain management, and post-surgery bowel function.
This micro-site also provides crucial health and wellbeing advice for dietary and lifestyle adjustments post-surgery, reassuring patients that a good quality of life can be restored. Discover the Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Patient Cancer Pathway micro-site.
Enhancing Spiritual and Pastoral Support with SPaRC
Our collaboration with the Spiritual, Pastoral, and Religious Care (SPaRC) team has resulted in updates to the SPaRC micro-site. This platform offers virtual spiritual and pastoral support to patients, families, and Trust staff, particularly between visits from the SPaRC team. Launched in 2022, the SPaRC site has already been nominated for national HSJ and Nursing Times awards. Explore the SPaRC microsite.