A LOCAL law firm has donated iPads to a Southampton hospital to help patients and staff "keep in touch with their loved ones" during the coronavirus pandemic.

Specialist asbestos disease law firm Novum Law, based in central Southampton, donated two iPads and iPad carts to University Hospital Southampton to help critically ill and injured patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

The iPads and mobile carts will be used in the hospital’s Emergency Department so that patients can stay in contact with their families and loved ones who are unable to visit them in hospital due to coronavirus lock down restrictions.

Families will be able to have video calls with patients, providing much-needed emotional support and a lifeline to maintain vital social contact at what is a stressful time for everyone, particularly those who are seriously ill or injured in hospital.

Peter Hilditch, Director of Novum Law in Southampton, said: “We are thrilled to be able to help patients, their families and their friends, keep in touch during the coronavirus pandemic. We can only imagine how upsetting it must be for people who are critically ill or injured in hospital and are unable to see their nearest and dearest due to the closure of hospital departments and wards to outside visitors.

"It’s so important for patients and their loved ones to have precious time together. We’re also pleased to hear that doctors, nurses and support staff at the hospital who are on the front line of this epidemic, will also benefit from using the iPads to keep in touch with their families during their breaks when they are on long shifts.”

Jeneen Thomsen, Co-Interim Director for Southampton Hospitals Charity, believes this donation will make a "huge difference" to the patients and staff within the hospital.

She said: “We are extremely grateful to Novum Law for their donation of two iPads and mobile carts to our Emergency Department in University Hospital Southampton. These will be used for communication between critically ill and injured patients and their loved ones, as visitors are currently not allowed on site due to the pandemic.

"We will be able to keep loved ones informed with what is going on with the patient, and our staff will also be able to use the iPads to talk to their own families during their breaks. They really will make a huge difference.”