Campaigners at a Moray hospital have funded the purchase of tablet computers to ensure patients can keep in touch with loved ones.
There are currently more than 20 patients in the Seafield Hospital in Buckie, which predominantly provides care and rehabilitation for pensioners.
Visiting hours have, however, been suspended by NHS Grampian in recent weeks in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The move has led to several patients becoming cut-off from friends and family since the lockdown was confirmed.
Now Friends of Seafield Hospital has used the charity’s funds to buy two iPads to allow video chats to take place.
Chairwoman Megan Walls, who also works as a nurse at the Buckie unit, said the equipment has made a big difference to patients.
She said: “In the last month or so we haven’t had any visitors into the hospital, which has been really difficult for the patients, especially the ones with dementia, so we decided to use some of the charity’s funds to help.
“They’ve been really delighted to see their families again, even if it is just on a video, because it has been so long.
“We’ve also bought some toiletries and other essential items like pyjamas for patients too, again because families have been unable to drop them off because of the lockdown.”