SOME patients at the Great Western Hospital will now be able to access the internet for free after new hotspots were launched.

As well as offering access to patients and staff, the hospital is also offering 15 minutes of free wi-fi to visitors.

The initiative launched today with hotspots in wards, waiting areas and the hospital’s restaurants.

After 15 minutes, visitors to the hospital will have to pay £4.50 for one day’s wi-fi access, although the service will be free to cancer and renal patients in Dove and Osprey wards and the day therapy unit.

Wi-fi will also be free to private patients in the Shalbourne Suite.

Kevin McNamara, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s director of strategy, said the technology would help those facing a stay of any length of time for treatment connect to the internet using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop.

“This should make a big difference to the experience of some of our patients,” he said.

“Coming into hospital can be quite isolating and wi-fi will make it easier for patients to access social media, stay up to date with news and keep in touch with friends and family.

“It will also be useful to visitors and allow staff to browse the web more easily during their breaks.”

The trust has teamed up with internet provider WiFi Spark to offer the service.