Virtual reality experiences offered to people at St Giles Hospice – Lichfield Live

People are being given the chance to experience sights and sounds from their hospice bed thanks to virtual reality technology.

Experiences available through a headset at St Giles Hospice include cities of the world, space, and wildlife, as well as a specific film narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

The Whittington-based hospices occupational therapy team has been delivering the VR experience to patients.

Janet is currently living with endometrial cancer and is a patient at St Giles Hospice.

As well as assisting with mobility issues, staff help patients take part in things they enjoy and which could help as a distraction from their condition.

Occupational therapist Beth Robinson said:

The use of the VR headsets helps our patients to immerse themselves into a calming space.

This distraction related activity enables our patients to escape the realities of their present situation and offers a form of relaxation.

Its lovely to see the benefits the VR headsets offer to our patients they appear calm and relaxed.

One of the patients to benefit was Janet, 71, who was transported to the beach thanks to the virtual reality film.

She said:

The headset is absolutely brilliant.

Ive never experienced anything quite like it in my life I was totally lost in the moment.

While engaged in the experiences of the headset, my pain was a distant memory it was so soothing.

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Virtual reality experiences offered to people at St Giles Hospice - Lichfield Live