Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust introduced VR relaxation in the Teenage and Young Adult Unit at Castle Hill Hospital in early 2025. The Cancer Psychological Service led the work, supported by a £1,600 equipment grant awarded by Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance in 2024.
Patients use The Calm Zone, part of Brain Recovery Zone, to experience peaceful beaches, forests, mountains and the Northern Lights. The software was developed by Dr Katherine Dawson and Dr Abayomi Salawu. It aims to help people cope emotionally with cancer and treatment. The provider also describes meditation, breathing and muscle-relaxation exercises and sleep support.
The hospital announced expansion to the Macmillan Information Centre at the Queen’s Centre, with free Tuesday afternoon sessions planned from 3 June 2025. The provider subsequently confirmed a June launch and an established weekly clinic for patients and supporters. Its case example describes a young inpatient using the headset before sleep and blood tests.
In its undated case study, Brain Recovery Zone reports improved mood among all users and a top relaxation rating from 90%, but provides no sample size or assessment period. These are attributed feedback figures, not controlled evidence of clinical effectiveness.
