Oxenhope Manorlands Hospice patients get advice on TV (From Keighley News)

Oxenhope Manorlands Hospice patients get advice on TV

8:00am Saturday 23rd February 2013 in Keighley

A pioneering scheme enabling seriously ill people to communicate from home with medical experts at Manorlands has received a cash injection.

Equipment connected to a patient’s TV and phone line allow the person to see and speak to professionals at the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

Now a vital donation towards the cost of the high-tech system has been received from the Punchbowl Inn at Silsden.

It raised £3,685 with activities including a sponsored walk and an event at the pub, which featured a 5km fun run backed by Co-operative Funeral Care, incorporating Thomas Clarkson funeral directors.

The remaining cost of the scheme has been covered with an £8,000 grant from the Shears Foundation and a private donation of £500.

A Manorlands spokesman said: “A set-top box and video camera connected to a patient’s TV and phone line means the person can see, hear and speak to Manorlands professionals at the touch of a button.

“Patients and carers will benefit from prompt advice, reassurance and peace of mind.”

Sue Ryder regional fundraiser, Andrew Wood, thanked Punchbowl regulars, landlord David Smart and Andrea Day – principal funeral director at Clarkson’s – for their support.

“The fantastic amount this group has raised, together with the generous private donation and substantial grant from the Shears Foundation, will make a huge difference to a large number of our patients, who will benefit from the tele-consultation system,” he said.