NEW high-tech beds to make patients feel more at ease are being trialled at Castle Hill Hospital.
The Cottingham hospital has two of four "bedpods" being tested out on patients in the UK.
The beds are designed to give better privacy and dignity to the patients using them.
The Department of Health has four of the bedpods out for testing – two in Ward 8 of Castle Hill and two at King's College Hospital in London.
Ward 8 sister Lizzie Barker said: "Most of the feedback we've had from patients has been very positive.
"I think a few tweaks are needed, but we would certainly benefit if we could have a room full of them.
"Patients are certainly curious about them – we get a lot of questions about what they do."
The bedpods have been designed with the patients' comfort in mind.
Mood lighting runs along the back of the bed, which changes from blue to green.
A separate "inner" curtain runs around the bed with a rod patients can use to pull it around themselves. This is separate to the normal ward curtains, which run about 2ft around each bed, allowing doctors to carry out tests in private.
A cover runs over the top of the bed, which has been designed to minimise sound.
Sister Barker said: "The patients have a control set that is particular to them – so they can decide whether to have the lighting on or the radio.
"The aspect the patients have found most useful has been the curtains.
"I think this would be particularly useful for patients who have had plastic or reconstructive surgery on their face."
The bedpods also have built-in safety boxes, so patients do not have to lock up valuables in the separate ward lockers.
It means their personal items can be right alongside them.
Sister Barker said: "Unfortunately, the boxes are a little high, so some patients find them difficult to reach.
"So I think if they were going to roll them out, I think that would be one of the tweaks that needs to be made."
The bedpods have also been designed to support infection control.
They have been made slightly smaller than normal, so there is more space between beds.
It is hoped this will reduce the likelihood of infections spreading between patients.
