Patientline is a bedside entertainment and communication system that gives patients access to a wide variety of television channels and allows the patient to keep in touch with friends and relatives by telephone.
This is done through a purpose built bedside unit, which incorporates a television, radio, telephone, answer phone, speaker, headphones and a payment card reader. Through the bedside unit, Patientline can offer patients access to a variety of entertainment services including at least 16 television channels and 6 radio channels including hospital radio. Soon, Internet access and games are to be incorporated on the system following successful trials at other sites. Patients can also make and receive telephone calls on their personal bedside unit.
The North West Wales NHS Trust has installed the Patientline system at every bedside at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Llandudno General Hospital. There is a charge for the use of the television and phone. However, the radio is free, and there are some free features on the television that patients can use.
When you arrive
Once admitted to the hospital, patients need to activate the Patientline system. This is FREE. You need to pick up your bedside phone, press "OPERATOR" and then press "1". The operator will register you and give you a four digit number. This number is your personal ID number and you can see it on the TV screen when you pick up your phone.
If you wish, Patientline will notify your friends and family of your four-digit number via a recorded message, just dial ‘11’ followed by the complete telephone number. This service is free and can be done as many times as you wish.
If you move bed or ward during your stay, this number will go with you. All you need to do is call the operator when you leave one bed and again when you arrive at your new bed.
Services available
Telephone
When you register you will get one free phone call of 2 units worth 20 pence.
Friends and relatives can ring you direct on 07041 18 0050 ****. The last four numbers are the same as your personal ID number, given to you when you registered.
Calls will cost them 49 pence per minute peak times and 39 pence per minute off peak.
You can make outgoing calls using a Smartcard available from the Patientline vending machines situated by every ward and in other locations such as reception areas. Smartcards cost £3.50 (35 units), £5.00 (50units) and £10.00 (100 units).
The £10.00 cards have an additional 10 units free. Calls will cost 10 pence for 58 seconds for national calls. Mobile phones, premium rate and international numbers are charged at a higher rate.
The Smartcards are used for all the services available on your bedside unit.
Radio
You can use the radio FREE of charge, but you must remember to register first.
Television
Once you have registered, you will get 30 minutes of free TV on any channel of your choice. Also, you can watch Breakfast television (8.00am to 9.00am) for free.
If you want to watch television you will need to buy a TV card, available from the Patientline vending machines. The maximum you will pay for a day’s viewing is £3.20.
Patients over 60 are entitled to half price viewing; a maximum of £1.60 per day. Let the operator know this when you register. The same applies automatically when you have registered for more than 14 days.
Games and internet access
To be incorporated shortly on the system following successful trials at other sites.
Other most asked questions
What if I do not have the correct money with me?
The Patientline machine will accept notes and change is given.
What if I have no cash with me?
Patientline accept payment by credit/debit cards; just press the operator button to give your card details.
What if I am confined to bed?
Press the operator button during working hours and request a card delivery to your bedside. There is no extra charge for this service.
This unique service is provided by Patientline at no cost to the National Health Service (NHS). For more information about Patientline please visit http://www.patientline.co.uk
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