Virtual reality transports hospice patients to another world

A hospice is using virtual reality to help patients relax by transporting them away from their beds. St Giles Hospice said the headsets allowed patients “to escape the realities of their present situation”.

“I’ve never experienced anything quite like it in my life – I was totally lost in the moment,” Janet, 71, said.

The VR experiences include cities of the world, space, and wildlife.

Beth Robinson, Occupational Therapist at St Giles Hospice, said the VR headsets helped patients “immerse themselves into a calming space”.

Janet’s daughter, Hazel, said, “It was brilliant to see mum immersed in all these different experiences. Whilst mum was watching them, her face was so animated. When she took off the headset, she looked so calm – it was quite emotional for us both”

About St Giles Hospice

St Giles Hospice is a registered charity founded in 1983 by the Reverend Paul Brothwell, originally to improve the care of local people dying from cancer. We now support people in our community whose illnesses may not be curable such as cancer, motor neurone disease, heart failure, MS and respiratory disease. We also offer support for families and helpers.

Our dedicated team provides individually-tailored care either at the hospice or in patients’ own homes across our communities.

The range of specialist services is provided free of charge to those who need it. Although St Giles receives some funding from the Government, they rely heavily on donations and fundraising.

Source: Agencies Virtual Reality hospice patient Virtual Reality hospice patient