Smileyscope has come to Portiuncula University Hospital, and staff say the innovative virtual reality (VR) technology has delivered benefits for young patients and their families.

Smileyscope uses immersive VR storytelling to help distract and relax children during procedures such as phlebotomy and cannulation. By transporting young patients into engaging, interactive worlds, the headset helps shift their focus away from the clinical environment.

Clinical staff at the hospital say the introduction of the headsets is having a clear and positive impact. Children are calmer and more comfortable during procedures, with reduced distress for both patients and their families. The technology has proven particularly effective in managing needle phobia and injection anxiety, and to encourage relaxation during imaging procedures or pre-operative care.

Child-centred care

Play specialists and nursing staff have welcomed the technology as an additional tool to support child-centred care. 

Carly Smith, Assistant Director of Nursing for Paediatrics at the hospital said: “We are always looking for ways to make the hospital experience as positive as possible for children and their families. The introduction of Smileyscope is a wonderful example of how innovation can support compassionate, child-centred care. Seeing children feel calmer and more confident during procedures is incredibly encouraging for both staff and families.”

Ann Marie Furlong, Clinical Nurse Manager II in Paediatrics added: “The Smileyscope is one of the most used pieces of equipment on our ward. It helps turn fear into confidence, giving children a sense of calm and control during procedures through immersive distraction and gentle preparation.”

Speaking about her son’s experience using Smileyscope, Theresa Hynes said: “As a parent, seeing your child need a medical procedure like blood tests can be stressful and it’s never easy watching them feel anxious or upset. However, using the Smilescope made a remarkable difference for us.

“When Luke used it in the children’s ward, it immediately shifted his focus away from what was happening around him. Instead of worrying about the procedure, he was completely absorbed in what he was seeing through the headset. It turned what could have been a frightening experience into something much calmer and more manageable.

“Smileyscope didn’t just help the children, it made the whole process easier for everyone involved, including the medical staff and us as parents. It reduced anxiety, minimised upset, and helped create a much more positive experience in what would otherwise be a difficult moment.”