
Provide free tv access in public hospitals
The issue
FREE TO AIR TV SHOULD BE FREE IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS
Let's create a more comforting and supportive environment for patients in public hospitals, making easy access to television a priority. Hospitals can be emotionally and physically taxing places, and a simple way to provide relief and distraction for patients during their recovery is through access to television.
Television provides not only entertainment but also a connection to the outside world, which can help lift spirits and make hospital stays feel shorter. It can be especially important for patients who do not have regular visitors or access to personal technology devices - our vulnerable and elderly.
Presently, many public hospitals charge for television access. This additional cost can burden patients and their families, many of whom already face significant financial pressures due to medical expenses. Removing this charge and offering free TV can alleviate this burden and show compassion and care for those in recovery.
A number of hospitals in various regions globally have successfully implemented free television and realized the immense benefit it brings to patients' mental health and well-being. Free wifi is accessible so it makes no sense as to why free tv is not accessible?
Why are private companies making money from vulnerable people for a service which should be free? Half the time we pay for it and it doesn't work anyway, with no way of getting the tv fixed and working if you happen to be in hospital on a weekend, with access only to an overseas call centre.
By signing this petition, we urge health departments and hospital administrators to consider the profound positive effects that free television access can have, helping improve patients’ experiences as they recover. Please sign this petition to support free television access in public hospitals, turning hospitals into more comfortable and humane healing spaces.

1
The issue
FREE TO AIR TV SHOULD BE FREE IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS
Let's create a more comforting and supportive environment for patients in public hospitals, making easy access to television a priority. Hospitals can be emotionally and physically taxing places, and a simple way to provide relief and distraction for patients during their recovery is through access to television.
Television provides not only entertainment but also a connection to the outside world, which can help lift spirits and make hospital stays feel shorter. It can be especially important for patients who do not have regular visitors or access to personal technology devices - our vulnerable and elderly.
Presently, many public hospitals charge for television access. This additional cost can burden patients and their families, many of whom already face significant financial pressures due to medical expenses. Removing this charge and offering free TV can alleviate this burden and show compassion and care for those in recovery.
A number of hospitals in various regions globally have successfully implemented free television and realized the immense benefit it brings to patients' mental health and well-being. Free wifi is accessible so it makes no sense as to why free tv is not accessible?
Why are private companies making money from vulnerable people for a service which should be free? Half the time we pay for it and it doesn't work anyway, with no way of getting the tv fixed and working if you happen to be in hospital on a weekend, with access only to an overseas call centre.
By signing this petition, we urge health departments and hospital administrators to consider the profound positive effects that free television access can have, helping improve patients’ experiences as they recover. Please sign this petition to support free television access in public hospitals, turning hospitals into more comfortable and humane healing spaces.

Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 18 January 2026