Hospital trials virtual reality breaks for patients
The project has been launched to allow some patients to "visit" places like Gloucester Cathedral, Puzzlewood or Symonds Yat through immersive 360 video headsets.
Currently, the trial is available to patients in oncology and the department of critical care across both Gloucestershire Hospitals.
"We look forward to partnering with more locations including Gloucester Cathedral and Gloucester Rugby, to enhance this offering further in the coming months," a Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said.
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Some patients struggle with long periods in hospital and its thought that having a break through virtual reality will help, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
"We have already curated a collection of stunning local hotspots and we are collaborating with businesses and organisations across the county to expand our library of content," a trust spokesperson said.
"So far, we have had the privilege of working with Puzzlewood, Dean Forest Railway and Bristol Zoo Project to capture some breathtaking footage."
Gloucester and Cheltenham hospital staff said they are excited to see the impact this initiative will have on patients' well-being.
Patient consent is required to use the headsets.
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Essentially, it's a professional-level facial condensed into just a few minutes of daily ritual, making it effortless to keep your complexion refreshed and sculpted from the comfort of your home. Plus, it works with any (generously applied) serum—so you aren't beholden to using a single specific conductive gel. Sure, other RF devices may offer an LED mode—but none with as many options as this Althaea Skin pick. We're talking three LED light settings to target different skin concerns, microcurrent technology for toning, and a massage function to boost circulation and ease facial tension. Essentially, it's a professional-level facial condensed into just a few minutes of daily ritual, making it effortless to keep your complexion refreshed and sculpted from the comfort of your home. Plus, it works with any (generously applied) serum—so you aren't beholden to using a single specific conductive gel. Target Treatment Area: Face, jawline, and neck Face, jawline, and neck Treatment Time: 10 minutes 10 minutes Treatment per week : Three to five : Three to five Specs: RF, LED light modes, massage functionality RF, LED light modes, massage functionality Best For: skincare maximalists who love professional results at home skincare maximalists who love professional results at home How to Use: Select the desired mode and glide gently across the face for 5–15 minutes, adjusting technique to the function. Everything You Need To Know How do radio frequency devices trigger collagen production? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron 'Radio frequency works by safely heating the deeper layers of your skin to stimulate collagen production. The heat has a tightening effect on existing collagen fibers and signals your body to start making new collagen and elastin over time,' says Rufolo. 'This helps your skin become firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking, with results that continue to improve for several months after the treatment.' Are RF devices worth investing in? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron 'As with most aesthetic treatments, not all radio frequency devices are created equal—some deliver much better results than others,' says Rufolo. Dr. Camp agrees, and while he notes these beauty tools absolutely can be effective, it's important to be realistic about results. Subtle skin tightening? Sure. Face lift contouring? No. 'Radio frequency devices are perfect for people seeking mild, non-surgical skin tightening, or improved skin texture—but you have to be willing to use them consistently,' he says. How often can you use an at-home RF device? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron 'Although the usage of an RF device typically varies by brand, they are generally used around two to three times per week in the first few months of usage, then lowered to one to two times for maintenance,' says Dr. Camp, noting that when it comes to these devices, more is not always best. 'It's important not to overdo RF usage as this may lead to skin irritation such as dryness or redness when the skin barrier is disrupted.' Dr. Totton agrees, adding that a rest period of a day or two in-between sessions is ideal. 'It's worth bearing in mind that in-clinic radio frequency treatments are performed by an experienced aesthetic therapist and temperature is usually moderated throughout use for patient safety,' says Dr. Totten, adding thats it's all the more important to closely follow your devices specific instruction manual to ensure maximum safety. What's the difference between in-clinic and at-home RF? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron 'In-clinic treatments that utilize radio frequency are an effective way to boost the production of collagen and elastin, offering a gentle alternative to more invasive options. They can reduce skin laxity on the face, neck and body, addressing sagging skin and fine,' says Dr. Totton, noting that while at-home devices work in the same way, they aren't as strong. 'Consequently, results from at-home devices will take longer and more consistent use to be achieved.' How long does it take to see results from at-home RF? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Remember, patience is key when experimenting with at-home radio-frequency devices. Dr. Totton reminds us that their effectiveness depends on consistent use over several weeks and months. 'All devices will vary in results depending on their energy levels, the specific skin concerns of the user, and also how effectively and consistently they are being used,' she says. 'However, in general users can expect to see and feel improvements to skin within a month, which should continue to improve as the months progress.' If you're the impatient type and want a clearer sense of when the results really kick in, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth previously told Vogue that collagen production can take 12 to 16 weeks—or even longer—with at-home devices. Meet the Experts AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who sees patients in New York and Long Island. Natia Rufolo, FNP, NP-C is a board-certified aesthetic injector, PDO thread specialist, and founder of INJX BY NAT Aesthetics. Dr. Nicole Ruth is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. Dr. Leah Totton, MBBS, MBCAM, is a London-based medical doctor and an award-winning cosmetic doctor with 11 years experience and a post-graduate diploma in dermatology. Totton is also the founder of Dr Leah Skin Clinics.
