New 'buzzy' vibration tool helps distract children and reduce needle pain
The devices are part of a 'Social Value strategy' with the NHS Trust for Derriford
A bee-shaped tool that uses vibration and cold to distract children and reduce needle pain is being given out at Plymouth's Paediatric Children’s Emergency Department
It's to help make medical procedures less distressing for young patients.
The devices were donated by construction company, Willmott Dixon who have been awarded the contract to build the new Emergency Care Building for University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust - through a joint 'Social Value strategy' with the trust.
Paediatric ED Nurse, Abigail Harrison said: “Children can often find the Emergency Department a scary place to be and we sometimes have to complete painful procedures. We strive to make a child's journey through Paeds ED as positive as possible.
"One way of reducing pain is through the use of a Buzzy. A Buzzy works by using vibration and the cold from the ice packs to confuse pain receptors to minimise the pain caused by a procedure. We are absolutely delighted to receive these devices, it will make such a difference when delivering care to our young patients.”
Over its anticipated four-year build programme, the new Emergency Care Building partnership between UHP and Willmott Dixon will deliver apprenticeship programmes and training initiatives for local people, active engagement with local schools including mentoring and educational support, fundraising and health awareness campaigns as well as environmental enhancements including wildflower planting around the hospital to enhance patient experience and support biodiversity.