The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority was overwhelmingly pleased to have recently received some electronic devices to help facilitate virtual family visits during the pandemic.

Regional Recreation Manager for the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority Lori Martin explains what happened.

"We were very excited to receive iPads and smartphones from Long Term and Continuing Care Association of Manitoba with their work with Telus, United Way, Power Line computers and Blue Cross," says Martin. "We'd like to thank all of them for their generosity. They were able to donate to over 200 iPads and smartphones across the whole province in our region."

She explains each of their sites received an iPad or a smartphone. Martin notes they helped families engage in FaceTime sessions, especially during the beginning of the pandemic when they were not able to have in-person visitation.

"This is critical to keep the families connected to their loved ones in the personal care home," continues Martin. "It was wonderful to have additional iPads. We did have some iPads and limited Wi-Fi. But what was nice about these iPads, was that they had some data on them. So, we were able to reach other residents in their rooms, and families could stay connected."