NEWS that free Wi-Fi for patients and staff will be rolled out in Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals next week has been welcomed by Glyn Davies, Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals Trust (SATH) has announced that the new free system will replace the current ‘token’ system, making it easier for users to get online.

The system will be launched on Monday, December 10, and was funded by NHS Digital’s ‘NHS Wi-Fi Programme’ with SATH being one of 115 Trusts awarded funds to improve its service.

Glyn Davies said: “It’s very welcome news that patients and staff at both Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals will now be able to have free Wi-Fi access.

"Patients, many from Montgomeryshire, who are in hospital for long periods are cut off from friends and the outside world without easy access to the online world.

"Access to the Internet while confined to hospital will transform the inevitable dislocation and isolation of a long stay away from the rest of their familiar world.

“Many of us are reliant today on electronic devices and social media to stay in contact with family and friends. I congratulate the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Hospitals Trust on the decision to enable easy access to the Internet.”