Derby Hospitals Charity funds 24,000 sleep kits for patients who struggle to rest at night

Derby Teaching Hospitals is helping patients get their 40 winks in our hospitals by offering sleep kits for those that need them.

Selected wards across the Trust have now been supplied with a number of sleep kits to cater for the needs of patients who are struggling to relax or get a good night’s sleep.

Derby Hospitals Charity has purchased a total of 24,000 sleep kits, which each contain an eye mask, a set of ear plugs, a pair of socks, a pencil and an information booklet.

Some patients find it very difficult to sleep in hospital, whether that be due to noise on the wards, interruptions for essential treatment throughout the night, or being away from their homes and families.

Derby Teaching Hospitals therefore chose to trial the sleep kits on several wards across the Trust, with the results showing they helped increase the number of hours patients slept in hospital.

Patient feedback to the trial also suggested that there was a real need to have access to items that would help encourage a more peaceful night’s sleep.

Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Experience, Cathy Winfield, said: “Quality sleep and rest are crucial elements to recovery, as they help patients to feel much brighter and therefore get back to their own homes sooner. Improving our patients’ hospital experience by providing them with quality care is our number one priority and ensuring that they are able to get the rest they need is a key part of this. It’s fantastic to hear that the kits have helped improve our patients’ experience, as we understand that it can be extremely difficult for people to get the sleep that they need while in hospital. A number of patients told us how much better they felt during the day after using the sleep kits, so we’re delighted to be able to make them available.”

Julie Chapman, Manager of Derby Hospitals Charity is keen to thank the public for their support. She said “These packs wouldn’t have been possible without the continued support of the public and the money they donate. We are always extremely grateful to all our supporters and we couldn’t provide such support to the hospital without them.”