Millions of patients a year can now benefit from free unlimited calls to their friends and family thanks to the launch of new entertainment packages for patients in hospitals with Hospedia’s T2 bedside system.
- FREE unlimited calls for patients to any 01, 02, and 03 BT landline number
- Reduction in the cost of calling mobile phones by up to 60%
- Length of pre-recorded messages for inbound callers reduced by over 40%
- FREE radio (including hospital radio)
- FREE email and internet
- FREE games
- Choice of over 20 TV channels
- Packages now match payment card values
In response to demands from patients for a greater variety of TV package options, Hospedia have launched a range of short, medium and long stay bundles that all also include free unlimited calls – so patients can now have unlimited TV, Phone, Internet and Games for as little as £1.67 per day.
Commercial & Media Director Ben Packman explains: "Previously Patientline focused on pricing its TV rental in 24 hour blocks... we spoke to patients at length and they wanted much more flexibility, so we have introduced a range of packages from £1 for 1 hour up to £20 for 12 days. This means that someone who just wants to watch a couple of soaps can do so at low cost, but also someone who is having to stay for longer periods of time in hospital can pay a much cheaper daily rate and get free calls as well – on average patients can save over 30% during their stay"
The new free calls bundles have seen a very positive response from patients in trials conducted over the summer. Out of nearly 300 patients surveyed, over 70% now thought the system offered value for money – a significant improvement over the old Patientline prices. More importantly the trials showed that with the new prices more people used the system on a day to day basis, with three times the number of calls being made and people talking for up to seven times longer.
Chief Executive Tim Weil added: "The significant usage increases demonstrated by the trials show that Patients see this as a welcome change, allowing them to talk for as long as they like to friends, family and loved ones as well as buying TV in the way they want to use it. Free calls for patients are just the first step... We are in discussions with Government, Devolved Assemblies and Hospitals to look at ways of reducing the cost of inbound call charges, and over the next year we'll be adding more exciting content for patients like films and TV shows on-demand, audio books and more healthcare information"
