To help improve the patient experience when visiting the Cancer Day Unit at Withybush Hospital and to better manage space in the waiting area, the nursing staff approached a local charity to purchase an innovative patient paging system.

Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal agreed to fund the system, and following an initial trial period, the pagers have proved very popular with patients and their families.

Jan Richards, staff nurse from the CDU, explained: “The pager offers each patient the opportunity to leave our waiting area to take advantage of refreshments etc. inside and outside the hospital, whilst we prepare prescribed treatments or blood products for them. When ready, we are able to activate the pager allowing the patient to return to the CDU to begin their treatment immediately.”

She added: “We are so grateful to the charity for providing the pagers as they are making a real difference. The technology is helping to put patients at their ease at a very stressful time for them. Being able to pop out to do some shopping, or have a coffee etc is helpful and cuts down the waiting time and any anxiety they may have.”

Neil Evans, trustee from the charity, added: “As an ex-patient of the CDU, this is just the sort of help we want to offer as a charity. We are about raising funds to help improve the patient experience at the CDU so it is good to learn that the pagers are making a positive difference for patients and the staff.”