The Thompson Health Auxiliary donated two iPads to the Thompson General Hospital May 12 to help patients connect with loved ones while visitors are not allowed due to COVID-19 pandemic precautions.
Northern Regional Health Authority (NRHA) executive director of clinical services in Thompson and area Craig Hillier said the idea to ask the auxiliary for the iPads came from a staff member who told him about a patient nearing the end of their life who could talk on the phone with friends and family but didn’t have the chance to see them one more time. Some long-term care facilities provide iPads and similar electronic devices for patients’ use.
“Why shouldn’t we do the same thing for people in the hospital?" said Hillier.
“Hopefully it’ll come to some good and some family members will be able to connect,” said Wendy Lucas of the Thomson Health Auxiliary.
