Banbury mobile phone firm keeps Covid patients in touch with loved ones

Juice, based in Haslemere Way, has donated hundreds of chargers to hospitals and medical centres across Oxfordshire.

Horton General Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, John Radcliffe Main, John Radcliffe Children’s Hospital and Churchill Hospital have received deliveries of Juice’s mains chargers for mobile phones.

The devices allow patients to stay online and remain in contact with home.

Jolyon Bennett, chief executive of Juice, said: “The entire country continues to face unprecedented challenges and increased uncertainty as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, and for those who are stuck in hospital having contracted the virus, the impact is likely to be much more significant.

“We know that being admitted to hospital under the current circumstances can be disconcerting, made even more difficult by the ‘no visiting rule’.

“With Covid patients also prohibited from taking personal items into hospital, many are feeling isolated as a result of being disconnected from loved ones, especially during such a frightening time.

“Providing those in need with the power to stay connected was a no-brainer – it was the least we could do.

“We really hope our chargers will keep patients connected and online so they can stay in regular contact with their friends and family throughout their stay in hospital.”

Emily Waddell, community fundraising manager at Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: “Something as simple as being able to charge your phone to speak to loved ones can easily be taken for granted – but we know right now it is more important than ever.

“When our patients find themselves taken into hospital, grabbing their phone charger is not always the first thing on their mind, but being without a charged phone and unable to communicate with friends and family can easily make patients feel cut off.”