A local MP has donated dozens of tablet devices to local hospitals serving his constituency so that patients unable to see their families can make video calls and maintain vital social contact with their loved ones.

John Nicolson, Member of Parliament for Ochil and South Perthshire, launched a fundraiser last month after he was unable to visit his own mother while she was in hospital.

“Having my own mum in hospital recently brought home to me again how important it is for patients to be able to stay in touch with relatives and friends, especially now that hospital visits aren’t possible.”, said Mr Nicolson, “Keeping in touch with relatives and friends is a vital part of patient recovery and helps with their overall wellbeing, and the tablet devices we are donating to local hospitals thanks to the generosity of all who donated to the fundraiser will go some way to bringing families together in what can be a very lonely time for patients in hospital.”

Mr Nicolson went on to thank all the donors for their ‘amazing generosity’.

75 supporters donated a total of £1,550 to the campaign which was used to purchase 36 tablet devices from Alloa-based supplier iSilicon. The devices, which were delivered to NHS Tayside and NHS Forth Valley health boards, have been distributed among the hospitals in the area.

NHS Forth Valley Nurse Director, Professor Angela Wallace, said, “This is a fantastic donation and will be very much appreciated by our patients. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic and current visiting restrictions, the last time many people see their loved ones before they are admitted to hospital is either when they drop them off, or they are brought in by ambulance.

“However, it is very important for our patients’ wellbeing and recovery to be able to stay in touch with family and friends and these tablet devices will allow them to do this at the touch of a button. This will make a real difference during these exceptionally difficult circumstances and bring a sense of closeness between those in hospital and those at home.”

Claire Pearce, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at NHS Tayside said, “I would like to thank everyone in Mr Nicolson’s team for their incredible fundraising efforts and for thinking of our patients in Tayside.

“It is so important for patients to be able to keep in touch with their families whilst visiting is suspended. These tablets will make a huge difference to patients and their relatives and I’m sure will bring smiles to their faces during these challenging times.”