Donation Funds iPads & Stands Enabling Quarantined Patients to FaceTime Loved Ones

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – Thanks to a recent $25,000 donation from Bayport Credit Union to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare has purchased iPads that allow quarantined patients to video chat with loved ones. A display and demonstration of the iPads and stands will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2020, at 1 p.m. in the hospital’s main lobby. 

The gift from the Bayport Credit union has enabled the hospital to purchase 12 iPads, offering a better, more secure communication tool than mobile phones, and provided a rolling stand for each one on all the nursing units. The stands are specially designed, moving to adjust to patients who are bed-bound.

Shannon Riley, Director of Patient Relations says, “It is both stressful and frightening to not see loved ones during hospitalization. Telephone conversations help, but it’s just not the same. To help ease this heartache and stress, we are pleased to offer iPads so that our patients can talk with their loved ones.” 

Christina Price, Case Manager for the ICU who helped organize the purchase and implementation of the iPads notes, “The love from family— their support and encouragement— is such an important factor in a patient's healing and recovery.”  Price continues, “Our doctors and nurses are also using the iPads to communicate with patient families. To talk to and see the eyes of the person taking care of their sick family members is reassuring.” 

All iPads are scheduled to be dispersed and in use on each unit by Thursday, June 18. Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation is gratefully accepting donations of any amount to add to its Emergency Relief Fund. 

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Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation
Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation was founded in 1993 to support Chesapeake Regional Healthcare by helping the hospital respond to the evolving health care needs of the community. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Chesapeake Regional Healthcare
Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is home to Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, the only independent, community-based hospital in the Hampton Roads region providing technologically advanced health care to the residents of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina for over 40 years. It offers a nationally accredited Chest Pain Center, a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, and one of the busiest Emergency Departments and maternity wards in the area. With more than 600 physicians on staff, Chesapeake Regional is dedicated to putting patients first with the most advanced treatments in health care and a personalized touch. For more information, visit www.chesapeakeregional.com.