Virtual Reality is helping children stay calm as they undergo medical procedures at Alice Springs hospital thanks to a Community funded donation from The Rotary Club of Alice Springs and The Community Bank Alice Springs.
The Smileyscope VR headset, developed in Australia by doctors, provides immersive experiences that distract and calm young patients during procedures. Staff in the Energency Department say that the impact has already been significant.
"It means children's experiences of potentially painful procedures are so much better. They love it. Sometimes it is hard to take the headset off them" said Emergency Specialist Kerrie Jones. "It lets them go into their own little worlds and choose their own adventure. It makes treatment a lot quicker and gets them home quicker".
In one story from staff a child came into The Emergency Department recently who normally requires sedation for every needle but with the Smileyscope it was the first time that they were able to complete the procedure without sedation.
The headset includes a range of calming and interactive programs, allowing children to choose from underwater adventures, space travels and other tailored experiences designed for clinical use.
Smileyscope is part of an emerging shift towards digital tools that enhance comfort, reduce pain, and support a positive healthcare experience for children.
The device was funded through a partnership between the Rotary Club of Alice Springs and The Community Bank Alice Springs.
"As a community bank 80% of our profits are reinvested locally" said Joy Taylor the Co-Chair of Community Bank Alice Springs. "Supporting a project like this one that improves care, reduces fear and helps children have a better experience in hospital is exactly what our model is designed for".
The Rotary Club of Alice Springs President Virginia Loy said that this collaboration shows how local organizations can work together to make a meaningful difference. "We are proud to support a simple but powerful tool that eases procedures for children and helps our local clinicians in their work. We are thrilled to see it already making an impact'.
