The project led by Mrs Washington, Social Worker at RBWH, aimed to provide patient entertainment by providing radios to patients on Ward 9BS (General Medicine).

Two thirds of General Medicine patients and more than half of overnight patients are older than 65 years. They can experience boredom and isolation in the hospital due to limited entertainment options. Access to radios prevent decline in cognitive function and improve mood by providing stimulation and connection to outside world.

Feedback from patients and staff shows that the radios positively impacted patient experience. Access to entertainment offers familiar comfort, stimulation, and access to news and events, increasing the overall wellbeing of the patient and reducing the risk of hospital-associated complications like delirium and functional decline in older patients. Feedback from patients on the ward, included:

“Marvellous! Lifts the boredom.”
“It’s good to have something to listen to, I listen to the station I tune into at home.” 
“Having the radio, it’s like being at home.”

And from staff:

“Patient listens to the news everyday and it helps form part of her daily routine.” 
“The radios are a resource we are using and they are meeting their purpose and helping to make hospital stays more enjoyable for patients.”