Yellow boxes funded by MY Hospitals Charity help patients keep glasses, hearing aids and dentures safe

Inpatients at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust can now keep their essential items safe and close at hand thanks to the introduction of bright yellow patient property boxes across its hospitals.

The single use, recyclable boxes are designed to reduce the loss and damage of glasses, hearing aids and dentures, with the aim of improving communication, dignity and overall patient experience.

The loss of these items can cause distress and delays in care. Clinicians at the Trust report that without dentures, patients may struggle to eat and speak; without hearing aids, they may miss important information; and without glasses, reading medication instructions or recognising faces becomes difficult.

“Losing these items can be upsetting and create barriers to communication, understanding and recovery,” said Emma Boxall, Patient Experience Project Manager at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust. “These bright yellow boxes offer a simple, practical solution that helps to keep these vital items safe”

The boxes are available on wards and departments where they are most needed. Patients receiving care at Pinderfields, Dewsbury and Pontefract hospitals can ask a member of staff for a box or collect one from the Charity Hub in the Pinderfields Hospital atrium or a Volunteer Guide desk. Patients are also encouraged to leave valuables such as jewellery and cash at home wherever possible.

This initiative is supported by the Trust’s Patient Experience team and funded by MY Hospitals Charity. Donations help the Charity to continue to provide boxes and improve patient experience. To support this project, text Propertybox to 70460 to give £10 (texts cost the chosen donation amount plus one standard network rate message) or donate online.