Making treatments easier with virtual reality

Having fun is vital for every child, no matter what they’re going through. But it can be a challenge to remove a cast from a child’s broken arm or perform blood tests if they are fearful of what’s happening.

A view inside the dinosaur safari VR game

Adventures that take worries away

Thanks to incredible supporters like you, we’ve funded virtual reality (VR) headsets for children at Evelina London. These immersive experiences are creating moments of joy on the wards, giving Evelina London’s young explorers the chance to walk with dinosaurs, swim with turtles or even soar into outer space.

We are already seeing the difference VR is making, children feel calmer, more confident and better supported during treatments. A 2023 study led by the Evelina London team found that using VR significantly reduced anxiety for both patients and parents and improved their hospital experience.

"The research has shown a statistically significant reduction of hospital anxiety and pain in the children who use the headsets. It has also shown that parents feel more relaxed knowing that their children are more comfortable and less anxious.”

Michail Kokkinakis, Consultant Children’s Orthopaedic Surgeon

Play Specialist Shirin in pink Evelina t-shirt on the left holding an tablet to control the VR game, Oliver is in an orange hoodie wearing the VR head set.

Oliver explores a VR world with Play Specialist Shirin

A trailblazing way to help children feel calm

Evelina London’s play specialists now use VR every day in the orthopaedic department, with plans to bring it to other areas of the hospital. The team is also exploring ways VR can gently guide children through what to expect before surgery, helping them feel more confident, prepared and reassured.

“We have used the headsets with patients before they have a surgical procedure and while waiting to see the consultant in the paediatric fracture clinic. The research has shown a statistically significant reduction of anxiety and pain in the children who use the headsets,” said Michail.

By using VR, Evelina London is helping children and families feel more at ease, turning scary moments into ones filled with calm, confidence and support.

Hospital visits can feel overwhelming for children. Your support helps make every experience a little brighter, calmer, and filled with comfort.

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