New medical robot will help stroke victims

(CNS): The In-Touch Health RP-Lite Robot, nick-named ‘Sally’, which has been donated to the local hospital by the Seafarers Association, is expected to be of particular help in cases of stroke. The robot allows for one-on-one interaction with medical specialists overseas, and with stroke patients it is imperative to work fast, as the longer it takes for the patient to get treatment, the higher risk of long term disabilities.  This machine will allow a patient to see a specialist within an hour instead of having to be transported off island. The robot will also save the public purse a considerable amount.

Health Minister Osbourne Bodden said,  “The introduction of telemedicine in Cayman Islands will significantly help reduce government’s costs for healthcare and give our residents access to specialists they otherwise could only see by flying off island.”

Thanking the Seafarers Association for all of the hard work and fundraising that went into making this machine a reality, he said it would make a huge difference to health care in the country.

The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association donated the state-of-the-art equipment last week and president of the association, Delano Bush, explained it was the first of its kind in the English speaking Caribbean. “We are proud to be part of it,” he said.

Having to travel for medical consultation can be inconvenient as well as costly, but most importantly, the faster results from a specialist could also save lives.

“I cannot thank the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association enough for this generous donation to the Cayman Islands Hospital,” HSA CEO Lizzette Yearwood stated. “This robot will help improve our patients’ experience and will give many the opportunity to stay on island when they would have otherwise needed to travel overseas.”