Introduction to Hospital Library Service
A hospital in Kent has brought back its book library trolley service after a 25-year break. The Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham launched this program to support the well-being and recovery of its patients.
How the Service Works
The library trolley is guided by volunteers and operates every Thursday and Friday in the Brown Zone of the hospital. Richard Pemberton, the hospital’s Strategic Manager, explained that reading offers many therapeutic benefits that complement medical treatment. These benefits include reducing fear and stimulating cognitive function.
Benefits of Reading for Patients
According to Pemberton, books can help patients maintain a sense of normalcy by sparking conversations with others, fighting isolation, and supporting emotional healing. He emphasized that reading has numerous well-being advantages, which is why they decided to revive the service after discovering an old photo in their archives.
Borrowing and Returning Books
Patients can borrow books for as long as they want and return them during the trolley’s next visit. If a patient is discharged while still reading a book, they are allowed to take the book home. The trolley was stocked with books donated by the public, volunteers, and hospital employees, thanks to the Medway Hospital Charity organization.
Feedback and Future Plans
The feedback since the service started has been overwhelmingly positive, with patients expressing their appreciation for the distraction, comfort, and connection the books provide. The hospital hopes to expand the service to the red and blue zones, with the long-term goal of offering the service hospital-wide, five days a week.
