We’ve all had to adapt to new circumstances during the age of COVID-19, especially in Victorian healthcare facilities. Patients being treated for COVID-19 are often isolated from their loved ones to prevent the spread of the virus. We want to make sure that these patients have the contact with their families they need, which is why we’re teaming up with Samsung to donate tablet devices to local hospitals.

This week, in conjunction with our partners at Samsung, we’ll be rolling a delivery of tablets and SIM cards to 20 hospitals in Victoria so elderly and vulnerable patients in isolation can feel connected to the outside world again.

Hospitals will receive shipments of the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro, a great tablet that has been specifically chosen for its rugged design, allowing the tablets to be cleaned regularly between use. This is important to ensure that patients remain connected while limiting the spread of infection between wards. The tablets are also ready to go with SIM cards from Telstra.

We know how important it is for patients to stay connected with their family and friends, especially when they’re going through such a difficult time. Hospitals and health staff have told us how important it is on the frontline, and we’re happy to do anything we can to help.

They say that laughter is the best medicine, and while we wait on a COVID-19 vaccine, sharing a laugh with friends and family is so important to help these patients feel connected. It’s not a warm hug and a held hand by the bedside, but it’s solace to those cut off for an extended period of time during treatment.

Royal Melbourne Hospital, Austin Hospital, Alfred Hospital, Dandenong Hospital, Eastern Health including Box Hill, Maroondah and Wantirna, Northern Hospital, Western Hospital, Geelong Hospital, Monash Health including Monash Medical Centre, Dandenong Hospital and Casey Hospital, Mercy Health including Werribee and Heidelberg, St Vincent’s Hospital and La Trobe Regional Hospital will all receive devices.

At least two devices will be given to each hospital in the program, ranging up to 25 devices depending on the need, the number of patients and the number of COVID-19 wards.

We’d like to thank our partners at Samsung for helping us get vital connectivity to patients who need it most during these challenging times.