Video Conferencing Connects Hospitalized Children with Santa

We’ve talked a lot about the positive effects of “telemedicine,” or the use of video conferencing and telepresence technology in the field of health care and medicine. It has the ability to connect patients with remote doctors and experts for the betterment of their health and opens up new avenues in treatment strategies. Being able to bridge this gap is certain to save the lives of many. However, connectivity between doctors and patients isn’t the only benefit gleaned from having a video conferencing or telepresence setup in hospitals. Sometimes, all patients need is a little holiday cheer. A news story out of Glasgow explains how “Santa gets hi-tech for hospital kids.”




The Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland used video conferencing and telepresence tools to connect ailing children with Santa in an effort to cheer them up and heighten their spirits. This unique use of video conferencing is an example of how the technology can make people’s days and lives better in even the most quaint of fashions. In an environment that’s stressful and uncomfortable even for the most stoic adults, it’s heartwarming to see how children can be affected positively by this technology.


The story also shows how we can expect video conferencing in hospitals to evolve in the future. Even apart from the holidays, it should be used to connect patients of all ages and ailments with others. Whether it be family members, or perhaps even a public figure, children and adults alike should be able to have a connection to the outside world while they’re hospitalized. Healthy spirits can go a long way in the recovery process and video conferencing has the capability of providing patients with just that.

Saturday, December 24, 2011 @ 07:12 AM posted by Video Conferencing 

http://www.whygo.net/wordpress/videoconferencinghospitalizedchildrensanta/unified-communications/12/24/2011/