Hospital revives ward book trolley after 25 years

Medway Maritime Hospital has not had a ward book trolley service for more than two decades

A Kent hospital has revived a book library trolley service visiting its wards after 25 years.

The scheme at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham aims to "help support the wellbeing and recovery of patients".

The volunteer-run trolley is to operate in the hospital's brown zone wards every Thursday and Friday.

Richard Pemberton, the hospital's knowledge and library service strategic manager, said: "Reading offers a lot of therapeutic benefits that complement medical treatment, helps to reduces anxiety, and stimulates cognitive function."

He said: "Books can also help patients maintain a sense of normalcy by sparking conversations with others, combat isolation, and support emotional healing.

"There really are lots of wellbeing benefits to reading which is why we decided to bring the service back after discovering the photo in our archives."

Patients can borrow books for as long as they wish, with returns collected during the next trolley visit.

If a patient is discharged mid-read, the hospital said they were welcome to take the book home.

The trolley has been funded by the Medway Hospital Charity with books donated by the public, volunteers and hospital staff.

Mr Pemberton said: "The feedback since launching the service has been overwhelmingly positive.

"Patients express their appreciation for the distraction, comfort, and connection the books provide.

"We're hoping to expand the service to red and blue zones, with the long-term ambition of offering the service hospital-wide, five days a week."