Published on 18 August 2020
Patients living with dementia can relive history thanks to the purchase of 10 new interactive devices for use in east Kent hospitals.
The RITAs (Reminiscent Interactive Therapeutic Activity) were funded by East Kent Hospitals Charity and allow people to sing along to music from the 1940s and 1950s, watch historic speeches, or look at photographs of days gone by.
The devices work with TV screens and also allow patients to play games and puzzles. They can also be used to provide reassuring moving images such as a fireside or a beach.
Dee Neligan, fundraising and development officer for the charity, said the devices were welcomed by both patients and staff.
She said: “We know these devices make a huge difference to our patients, so it’s wonderful to be able to provide another 10 RITAs for wards across the Trust.
“While visiting is restricted because of the coronavirus pandemic, the machines can help reduce isolation and boredom and give patients a glimpse into the life they remember, and a respite from the noise and confusion they may experience in hospital.
“We’d like to thank our amazing supporters for helping us to make a real difference to our patients’ hospital experiences.”
The 10 devices have been delivered to wards across the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent and Canterbury Hospital and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.
They cost £48,000 and were funded by the charity’s Helping Your Hospitals appeal, which has so far topped £100,000 thanks to the generosity of people and companies across east Kent.
