PATIENTS and visitors to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon are able to access free wi-fi at various hotspots around the hospital from this week.

The service went live on Monday to allow visitors to stay connected, find information and fend off boredom.

Any visitor will be able to access the internet using their laptop, tablet or phone, from wi-fi hotspots in wards, waiting areas and the hospital restaurant.

Browsing will be free for 15 minutes to all patients, visitors and staff each day, with the option of buying more as part of a pay-as-you-go service, with prices starting from £4.50 for 24 hours.

Wi-fi access will be free for cancer and renal patients in Dove, Osprey and the Day Therapy Unit who often have to spend long periods of time in hospital. It will also be free for private patients in the Shalbourne Suite.

Kevin McNamara, director of strategy at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This should make a big difference to the experience of some of our patients.

"Coming into hospital can be quite isolating and going online will allow patients to access social media, stay up-to-date with the news and even keep in touch with friends and family with virtual visits.

"It will also be useful to visitors and allow staff to browse the web more easily during their breaks.”

Information on how to access your free 15 minutes and prices for the pay-as-you-go wi-fi service are on the Trust’s website.