When you think of TV, a hospital probably isn't the next thing that comes to mind. Memories of sidesplitting or sentimental TV moments or the coziness of watching a movie in your pyjamas are far more likely candidates.

However, these projections of familiarity and comfort are crucial in creating the kind of atmosphere that hospitals want to replicate. Hospital TV can provide comic relief for patients who have suffered through illness or trauma, it can act as a distraction from pain or discomfort and perhaps most importantly, it can bring a sense of homeliness to an otherwise unfamiliar atmosphere.

Some of our patients can be on the ward for long periods of time and we try to provide games, activities and entertainment to help them to enhance their hospital experience, as well as aid a faster recovery. For some, an entertainment system and access to live TV and the latest shows on-demand can help pass the time or distract them from the issues they might be facing.

While at home, people watch TV an average of six hours a day. In a hospital, TV viewing increases to almost 11 hours each day. Clinical experts agree that a patient's hospital room plays a role in the healing process and overall satisfaction. Patients look for amenities that provide the comforts of their home while away from home.

Clitheroe Community Hospital is calling on their community to please support their patient enhancements by raising funds to purchase four new televisions.