Hospital patients in Tofino now have access to free wireless Internet thanks to the Tofino General Hospital Foundation.
“Tofino General Hospital is a small rural site and many of our patients and visitors have to travel some distance to be here,” said TGH Site Director Michelle Hanna through an Island Health media release. “Having Wi-Fi will help them stay connected to their family and friends at home.”
The Tofino General Hospital Foundation has committed to cover the service’s annual operating cost—estimated to be around $1,300 per year—and Island Health will provide the service through the hospital’s existing Wi-Fi system, according to the release.
“We’re really happy to support this service at the hospital,” said Tofino General Hospital Foundation Chair Arlene McGinnis. “Many people rely on Wi-Fi and when they’re confined to a hospital room it’s important to be able to stay connected.”
Tofino mayor Josie Osborne told the Westerly News she is perpetually grateful for the Foundation’s unwavering contributions to the community’s hospital and she’s happy to see free internet service arrive.
“Burning through data on a mobile phone plan is expensive and creates an extra burden for people at a time when they are trying to focus on getting well, and further, some people don’t have data-enabled devices,” she said. “Free Wi-Fi means patients and their visitors can use devices like tablets to stay connect to family, friends and the larger world. It might not seem like a medical issue, but staying connected while you are in the hospital is really important.”
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andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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