FREE Wi-Fi is being rolled out at four local hospitals so patients and visitors can stay in touch with loved ones.

The change follows a successful trial in the A&E department at North Manchester General Hospital.

Throughout August, health chiefs are set to extend the coverage to the rest of the hospital, as well as to Fairfield and Royal Oldham hospitals and Rochdale Infirmary — all run by Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust.

Until now, visitors to those hospitals have had to rely on their own mobile data, which can be slow and carry a cost.

An average of 200 people a day are using the new free Wi-Fi at North Manchester and one of the places it was tried out was the children's A&E department, where young patients have been using it to play games and watch TV.

Charlie Grimshaw, aged eight, of Middleton, was treated at North Manchester for an ankle injury.

He said: "I enjoyed playing games on the iPad while I was waiting. It stopped me from getting bored and made me forget about my sprained ankle."

His mother, Nicola, said: "It is a good idea as it helps parents be able to get in touch with any other relatives they may need to contact while in hospital.

"Also, it's great for kids in A&E as it helps pass the time and take their mind off their illness or injury.

"While we were waiting to be seen and go for x-rays, Charlie played on the iPad."

Dianne Cook, lead advanced paediatric nurse practitioner at the hospital, said: "We were very keen to develop the free Wi-Fi access following feedback from children and young people who have visited our A&E department.

"We have listened to their views following surveys undertaken in the department and in a recent Children's Commissioner 'takeover' day, which involved local schoolchildren working in our department and getting involved in decision-making.

"The children wanted to have free Wi-Fi access when they attend hospital, and this view has been echoed by adults who often ask staff if they can have access."