Hospital starts ward message service for patients

A hospital has started a volunteer-led scheme enabling families to send personal messages to patients for hand delivery on the wards.

Northampton General Hospital launched the initiative on Friday, allowing friends and relatives to compose messages online which are printed on greeting cards and delivered by volunteers.

The service is designed to support patients who may feel lonely or anxious during their stay.

"Receiving a card and knowing someone is thinking about you is really quite nice," said Chris Richardson, 74, who spent several weeks in hospital after suffering two strokes.

"It shows someone cares. For someone in hospital, that can really lift their spirits."

The initiative builds on a similar project first introduced at Kettering General Hospital last November and is now being expanded across the county.

Cards can mark birthdays, anniversaries and cultural celebrations, or share a message of support.

The hospital's director of nursing Jo Smith said the idea would have a "significant positive impact" on patients' experience.

Simon Harris, 49, is a regular visitor to Northampton General Hospital after a relative suffered a stroke in January.

He said: "The opportunity to send cards is yet another thoughtful way that patients are made to feel as comfortable as possible during their stay."

Messages submitted during weekday working hours are delivered the same day, with messages received outside those hours delivered the next working day.

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