Robotic Transfer Device Enhances Care at Mission Memorial Hospital

Mission Memorial Hospital has made a significant leap in patient care with the introduction of the ALTA Platform, a robotic patient transfer device designed to facilitate safer and more efficient patient movements. This initiative is the result of collaboration among the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, Mission Health Care Auxiliary, Fraser Health, and the local Mission community.

According to a recent announcement, Mission Memorial is now the second hospital in British Columbia to implement this innovative technology and holds the distinction of being the first small community hospital in the world to do so. The device was inspired by Dr. Andrew Edelson, a retired physician and former site director, who first learned about it through a publication by Doctors of BC.

Enhancing Patient and Staff Safety

“I’m very excited about it. Everyone I’ve talked to thinks it is great. Healthcare workers are thrilled. This is groundbreaking for Mission and for Fraser Health,” Dr. Edelson stated. The ALTA Platform, developed by Able Innovations, employs artificial intelligence to assist in transferring patients between surfaces such as stretchers and imaging tables. This process is particularly labor-intensive for healthcare staff and has been identified as a leading cause of workplace injuries.

“Imagine you have an elderly or injured patient laying on their back,” Dr. Edelson explained. “You need 2-4 attendants to move them across a 4-6 foot space, which poses risks for both the patient and the staff.” The ALTA Platform aims to mitigate these risks by enhancing patient safety during transfers, improving comfort and maintaining the dignity of injured patients.

By reducing the number of staff required for each transfer, the device is expected to decrease injury rates among healthcare workers and minimize lost workdays due to injury. “It should make the job of staff easier and faster and will soon pay for itself,” Dr. Edelson added.

Community Support and Future Implications

The funding for the ALTA Platform was secured through the efforts of the Mission Health Care Auxiliary, which generated funds via the volunteer-run Cottage Thrift Store and the hospital gift shop. Alice Campbell, president of the Auxiliary, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “It is important for the public to know how the items they donate to The Cottage Thrift Store end up benefitting the community.”

Jayiesh Singh, CEO of Able Innovations, noted that Mission Memorial is setting a precedent for rural healthcare. “As our rural communities are confronted with diminishing labour pools in the face of increasing demand for healthcare, our rural facilities need to do more with less,” he said. The introduction of the ALTA Platform is seen as a vital step toward addressing these challenges through automation and robotics.

Singh further elaborated, “Rural facilities face immense challenges. With the ALTA, we hope to empower frontline staff while providing a more efficient overall experience for patients.” This innovative approach not only promises to enhance direct patient care but also aims to create a sustainable model for future healthcare delivery in rural settings.