I try to use new technology although I still think of myself as a bit of a digital dinosaur but I really admire people who have make innovative use of the Internet to help solve problems and bring people together.
That is I am really pleased that one such idea has been pioneered in my constituency and I have tabled a Commons Motion supporting this innovative idea.
www.Justvisiting.com is a not-for-profit company established in Gateshead with support from the local Council and NHS Trust. The site aims to celebrate and support patient care.
The free website is designed to support hospital patients and their families and save precious time for hospital staff. It is best described as an online visiting room and a support network for patients and their main carers to share information and send flowers and much more.
It is proving to be a popular way of sharing the burden of hospital/hospice visiting and caring. It has united, or sometimes reunited, families and friends, empowering them to provide mutual support at stressful times - whether a loved one is ill, recovering from surgery or celebrating a baby.
With hundreds of hits each month and users around the world it is really starting to take off.
Justvisiting.com is secure and confidential as well as easy to use. Visitors simply register, open an online visiting room and invite friends and family to view regular bulletins and post their own messages of support. Distance is no problem, even for those overseas, and the room is always open. Many of us have experienced the problems when a relative or friend is in hospital. This is where JustVisiting can come in handy, be it in supporting carers and patients, reducing risk of infection or providing an opportunity for loved ones to join a caring network when hospital visiting may prove to be difficult, due to critical care, patient privacy, geographical location, lack of mobility, family tensions or childcare issues.
If you are keen to find out more contact Jeff Cummings on 0191 414 3256. If you have an idea or project that you would like to discuss with me as your local MP contact me.
| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |