Trust's donated devices combat 'digital poverty'

Drop-off events were held at the Friarage and James Cook hospital sites

Dozens of electronic devices have been donated to a hospital trust following an appeal to keep maternity patients connected.

There had been concern some mothers-to-be on Teesside were having difficulty accessing their digital records due to a lack of access to technology.

To combat this "digital poverty", South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recently held drop-off events at its James Cook and Friarage hospital sites.

More than 80 working smart phones, 20 laptops and a collection of tablets, PCs and printers were received from individuals and businesses.

They were refurbished if necessary, then distributed by the lead digital midwife for the trust, Grace Murray.

She said: "It's such a worthwhile cause and these devices will really make a huge difference to our maternity patients, many of whom are unfortunately facing digital exclusion.

"We are planning on holding these on a regular basis so that we can continue to help as many patients as possible and in turn, reduce the percentage of digital poverty in our area."

The events were held in partnership with furbd, part of Middlesbrough charity the Hope Foundation, and it was not just maternity patients who benefited.

Lee Peat had been unable to get in touch with support services in the local area because he did not have a phone.

After being donated a smart phone, he was able to make appointments.

Lee Peat, pictured with Grace Murray, was able to use a donated phone to get in touch with support services

David Thomas, business development manager for furbd, said: "We are often in short supply of devices but to due people's generosity our team has now been able to refurbish devices that can be redistributed to people those who really need them like Lee.

"From giving maternity patients better access to their records or providing families in need with the ability to sit down with their children on an evening and help them with their homework, this appeal really highlights how every device really does make a difference to someone's life."