The Ocean Conservation Trust recently brought their immersive virtual reality headsets to Skylark ward at Mount Gould hospital, allowing patients to explore the ocean from the comfort of their beds. The technology provides a 360-degree view, showcasing footage from Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium and the open sea, featuring close-ups of marine life and divers.
Elaine Nicholl, community hospital support manager, highlighted the importance of the initiative for elderly patients who may experience loneliness, stress, and anxiety. "We’re hoping that these visits will provide them with some additional activities to do and provide them with a little bit of relaxation," she stated. The trust plans to make these visits a recurring event, returning every six weeks.
“"Thank you so much for making this amazing experience accessible to my mum. She was in awe watching the beautiful fish and mammals in the ocean. Her wonderment and pleasure were clear for all to see. What a privilege to witness such joy in such dire times."
For patients receiving end-of-life care, the experience was particularly meaningful. Some patients who have been at the hospital for extended periods were also able to leave their rooms and participate in a more social setting in the hospital's lunchroom.
Faye Peters, a patient on Skylark ward for five weeks, described the experience as "incredible." She added, "for people our age, we don’t get to go scuba diving, so this is the next best thing. I hope more people give this a go, I think they’d get a lot out of it because fish help you relax."
Freya, the ocean engagement manager for the Ocean Conservation Trust, explained the organisation's mission to bring the ocean to communities facing barriers to access, whether physical or illness-related. "It’s been an honour to be here in Mount Gould today and to see all the patients smiling and talking to each other and sharing their own stories about their memories and experiences of the sea," she commented.
The initiative was a collaborative effort by Elaine Nicholl, Emma Rogers, and Teresa Beer, aimed at enhancing the patient experience at Mount Gould and upholding best practices at UHP.
