MSPs of all parties were taken on the trip of a lifetime via virtual reality software, which is now being used to help improve the quality of life for neurological care centre guests in Aberdeen.

The Sue Ryder charity runs Dee View Court, Scotland’s only specialist residential care facility for people with complex neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease and acquired brain injuries.

The charity’s virtual reality system enables residents to explore a variety of exotic and exciting places, many of which they would have been unable to visit in real life – including far flung beaches, jungles and even outer space.

The system, which was specially developed for Sue Ryder Dee View Court users by tech company Immersicare, and is now being rolled out to all 13 of Sue Ryder’s neurological care centres, three of which are based in Scotland.

Quality of care

Charity workers visited Holyrood this week to explain how virtual reality can help improve the quality of care, and to let MSPs sample it for themselves.

Lewis Macdonald MSP, who represents the North East of Scotland, which includes Sue Ryder Dee View Court, and who hosted the event in the Scottish Parliament, said: “This technology has clearly made a significant difference to the lives of many of the residents at Dee View Court in Aberdeen.

“It is great to hear that the chance to enjoy these virtual reality experiences is now being expanded to other Sue Ryder care centres.

“I was delighted to welcome Sue Ryder to the Scottish Parliament, and I am sure that all the MSPs who tried the technology for themselves found it as enjoyable as the Dee View Court residents.”

Director of Neurological Care and Scotland, Pamela Mackenzie, said: “Early evidence from the team at Sue Ryder Dee View Court shows that use of virtual reality by people with neurological conditions is helping to lower blood pressure and pain levels, as well as boosting mood and wellbeing.

“As we eagerly await the Scottish Government’s National Action Plan on Neurological Conditions, it seems like a good time to share with others the innovative technology we are using with our service users to improve their quality of life.”

Public Health and Wellbeing Minister, Joe FitzPatrick, said: “The use of virtual reality technology to help people with neurological conditions is a great example of innovation in health and social care. I commend Sue Ryder for this and the wider work they do in supporting people living with these conditions.

“The Scottish Government wants to ensure that people living with neurological conditions have access to the best possible care and support across the country.”

The Scottish Government has worked in partnership with the neurological community to develop Scotland’s first ever National Action Plan on Neurological Conditions, FitzPatrick added.

He said: “We will publish the draft plan in the coming weeks for public consultation and I would encourage everyone to provide their views.”