When patients spend time in the hospital, long hours can feel even longer without simple ways to stay entertained or connected. Thanks to a recent gift from the SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary, inpatients now have access to iPads designed to help them comfortably pass the time during their stay.
“We received input that inpatients are often looking for items to help pass the time, especially when they are spending multiple days in the hospital,” according to Julie Stellmacher, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary president. “As an Auxiliary, we’re always listening for ways we can meaningfully support patients and enhance their experience.”
Historically, shared items such as newspapers and magazines were popular among patients but have not been practical in recent years.
While the Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary continues to fund newspaper subscriptions and supports Care Cart items – including word search books, crossword puzzles, adult coloring pages, and decks of cards through a partnership with SSM Health Volunteer Services – leaders recognized an opportunity to do more.
The idea for tablets surfaced during routine rounding, when Sherry Hesselink, senior environmental services attendant on the second floor, suggested an option that could be easily cleaned and shared safely.
“We immediately saw the potential,” Stellmacher says. “Tablets are wipeable, adaptable, and offer a wide range of entertainment options all in one device. They made sense from both an infection prevention and patient experience perspective.”
Staff are now utilizing the iPads for interested patients during their hospital stay.
“The Auxiliary’s generosity speaks volumes about their commitment to our patients,” says DeAnn Thurmer, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital/SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo/SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital president. “These iPads provide a simple but meaningful way to bring comfort, distraction, and even moments of joy to individuals during a challenging time.”
The devices include a curated selection of games, coloring apps, and relaxation tools, while maintaining appropriate security and usage restrictions.
“This project is a great example of collaboration across departments and volunteers coming together for our patients,” Thurmer adds. “It reflects the heart of Ripon Community Hospital and the caring community that surrounds it.”
After each use, devices are cleaned and returned to ensure safety and availability for future patients.
“A positive patient experience goes beyond clinical care,” according to Desiree Stensrud, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital inpatient nursing supervisor. “These iPads help create a more comforting and engaging environment for our inpatients by providing entertainment and connection, which can reduce stress and ease loneliness during hospitalization. We are grateful for our Auxiliary’s continued dedication to making a meaningful difference for our patients!”
For the SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary, “it’s about helping patients feel seen and supported,” Stellmacher says. “If an iPad helps make someone’s hospital stay a little easier, then it’s truly worth it.”
The SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary collaborates with the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation on projects like this.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary and/or a hospital volunteer, contact Volunteer Services at 920-926-4955.
SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital inpatient team members – (left to right) Sandy Purath, RN; Jessica Mlodzik, administrative supervisor; Dakotah Franke, RN; and Kadice Workman, Youth Apprenticeship Program student – are shown with iPads given by the SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary for inpatient use.