Robot does the rounds

May 19th 2005

A London hospital is to set robots loose on the wards, it was announced yesterday.

The robot doctor will tour the wards of St Mary’s Hospital, London, in a pilot project.

The RP6 robot, nicknamed Sister Mary, can be controlled by a doctor using a joystick.

It allows the patient to see the doctor and the doctor to inspect the patient.

The doctor can also bring up x-rays and test results on the control console.

The aim of the project is not to confine doctors at St Mary’s to their offices but to enable specialists from far a field to examine patients.

During the pilot project, researchers will assess patient reaction to the robots and also the skills needed by doctors to use them effectively.

Surgeon Parv Sains said: "If we look at a lot of the current strains on the NHS many senior doctors with skills and knowledge are required to be in several places at once. This is a solution in potentially providing their expertise from a remote location and may be a significant step for patient care.

"If a specialist is at a conference in California but their medical opinion is needed for a St Mary’s patient or to deliver a lecture to junior doctors the RP6 robot provides an instant and global link at any time of the day or night.

"Our robots certainly would never replace all doctors on ward rounds, but they are a communication tool which allows a doctor to have direct contact with their patient if they are unable to get to them."

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