Patients in our Intensive Care Unit at Derriford Hospital rely significantly on medical personnel for assistance. Because of the complexity of their condition, they are frequently intubated or have a serious disease that prevents them from speaking or moving. Dependence on others grows, and it can be extremely difficult and frustrating to be unable to articulate how they feel or what they need.  

The Language Therapy team at Derriford does amazing work with individuals in interpreting what they are trying to communicate. They approached the hospital’s charity to fund an eye gaze device to support their work, which would greatly improve patient care and comfort.    

Plymouth Hospitals Charity awarded £10,333.00 to Derriford’s ICU, which covered the costs of the high-tech eye gaze device, along with a training session for Occupational Therapists and ICU staff to learn how to use it effectively. 

The eye gaze device now offers an entirely new way of communicating with just the flicker of someone’s gaze. The patient’s eyes are calibrated using a built-in camera beneath the screen, which accurately tracks each eye movement. Each patient can have their own profile and use it to translate subtle eye movements into spoken words through typing, predictive text, or selection from categorised topics such as wants, needs, emotions, or personal interests. Additionally, the device offers adapted applications like internet browsing and access to entertainment platforms, such as Netflix, to help pass the time.  

Speaking to the Lead Speech and Language Therapist for Intensive Care, Gen Conquest, Gen emphasised the significant impact this equipment has made. It has proven to be beneficial for patients on ventilators, those with tracheostomies, as well as those who have higher spinal cord injuries and neurosurgical patients also. While the team continues to explore its full scope within the ICU environment, it has already proven invaluable in restoring independence to patients who would otherwise rely on others for communication. 

The eye gaze device is highly customisable, with added accessories and settings tailored to varying levels of mobility and cognitive ability. It’s an incredible piece of equipment that has restored a vital sense of autonomy to our patients, as it supports them in actively participating in their treatment and care decisions, while being able to talk to loved ones and staff. 

If you’re interested in supporting PHC’s efforts to enhance patient care at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and would like to back amazing initiatives like this, discover ways to give today. You can help make a huge difference for people, thank you.