Community & Culture

How to stay connected during your hospital stay

January 27, 2026

For many patients, having access to news and entertainment can make a hospital stay feel less stressful and isolating.

Interior Health (IH)’s Bring Your Own Device program encourages patients to bring their own smartphones, tablets or laptops to the hospital for entertainment and communication. Bedside TVs are no longer available.

Bringing your own device gives you more control over your experience and a choice in how you stay connected and entertained.

All our hospitals offer free, upgraded Wi‑Fi, so you can:

  • Watch your usual streaming services
  • Check your newsfeeds
  • Play your favourite games
  • Stay in touch with family and friends through messaging or social media

If you plan to bring a device, don’t forget your charger and consider packing headphones for privacy. Packing thoughtfully and bringing the right items helps your admission go smoothy, gives you peace of mind, and lets you focus on rest and recovery.

If you don’t have a device or didn’t bring yours

If you don’t have your own device, at some hospitals a limited number of tablets are available for personal use with a free pre-programmed streaming service: TubiTV. Devices are mounted on a wheeled stand with an articulating arm, making them easy to position for patients with mobility restrictions.

The controls are like what one might experience on an airplane, which can be easier to navigate than a TV remote with unfamiliar buttons. This design helps makes the tablet more accessible to seniors, children, and individuals with cognitive or dexterity challenges.

Staff are here to help

Patients who previously relied on staff or family to turn on and manage the bedside TV or help find their preferred program will receive the same assistance when using the tablets.

If you have any questions or need help while in the hospital, don’t hesitate to ask a staff member.

If or when I become an IH patient, having the choice of bringing my own device such as an iPad or tablet, and using the technology I’m most familiar with, would help reduce the feelings of isolation and anxiety during potentially difficult times. [It] would give me access to my streaming services and emails, my newsfeeds and my favourite games. It would allow me to communicate with friends and family through Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook, all of which will help to provide comfort, distraction and continued connection.

-- Diana, Patient Partner

Keeping your items secure

Most patient rooms have side tables or closets where your device can be stored, but these are not lockable. If you prefer, you can ask staff to secure your device and other belongings for safekeeping against loss or damage. If you choose not to leave your belongings with staff, IH can’t take responsibility for theft, loss or damage.

Other ways to make your stay comfortable

Hospital stays can feel unfamiliar, so small comforts go a long way. Toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and lotion help maintain your routine. Comfortable sleepwear, a robe and slippers or flat, rubber-soled shoes make moving around easier. Some patients find that a favourite pillow or blanket adds a sense of home.

A favourite book, magazine or newspaper can help pass the time. If you wear glasses, contacts or hearing aids, bring those along as well.

What to leave behind

Space is limited, and valuables are best kept at home. Avoid bringing large amounts of cash, extra credit cards or jewellery. We cannot take responsibility for lost or stolen items, so it’s safest to leave anything irreplaceable behind.

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