Glenfield Hospital team trialling virtual reality headsets for patients 

They provide patients with short experiences including space, safari and beach escapes.

The Pleural team at Glenfield Hospital are trialling virtual reality headsets to see if they reduce anxiety and pain for patients during procedures.

The team care for patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the pleural space, around the lungs and ribs, which can involve a painful build-up of fluid or air.

They are carrying out a six-week trial of the headsets, which provide short experiences including space, safari and beach escapes and mindfulness sessions, for both patients as they receive treatment and for colleagues who require the opportunity to de-stress.

The technology has been used successfully in other NHS settings, such as intensive care and burns units.

Sarah Johnstone, Pleural Diseases Specialist Nurse, said: “We’re gathering data from patients and colleagues on the VR sets and have already received positive feedback about the technology.”