A hospital in Northamptonshire is introducing e-mail connections for patients.

Kettering General Hospital is preparing to introduce bedside television, phone and internet for patients.

Patient entertainment systems are outlined in the NHS Plan and the Government wants to see them in place by 2004.

Kettering General Hospital aims to start phasing in the new system from February next year with a demonstration day for staff on Tuesday.

'Major improvement'

The patient entertainment system the hospital is currently looking at will include:

• Bedside telephones for patients

• Fold-away televisions

• Internet and e-mail

• Radio

• Patient information channel

• Patient satisfaction survey

• Computerised food ordering.

James Hayward, director of facilities and estates at the hospital, said: "This will be a major improvement for patients.

'Phone directly'

"At the moment, although there are TVs in most wards, there isn't one for every patient.

"Phone calls for patients currently go through the ward but the new system would allow people to phone directly through to their friend or relative who is in hospital and for them to phone out from their bedside.

"The internet, e-mail and computer package would also allow people to keep tabs on their personal and business arrangements while they are with us."