He doesn't wear a mask, but it continues to be a great help in the fight against the new coronavirus. Tommy the “robot nurse” is one of six new devices that are helping doctors and nurses care for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the Circolo HospitalOn Varese, a city located in northern region of Lombardy, the epicenter of the outbreak in Italy.
“It's like having a 'nurse' who doesn't run the risk of being contaminated,” said Francesco Dentali, director of the hospital's Intensive Care Unit.
Tommy and the other robots — which measure just over half a meter in height — are placed in the room and monitor patients so that doctors can focus care on people with more serious clinical conditions.
Throughout the day, robots monitor each patient's information and transmit it to the clinical team. Furthermore, they allow the patient to record messages that can then be heard or read by doctors.
But more importantly, Tommy and his colleagues enable healthcare professionals to reduce direct contact with patients, thereby reducing the risk of infection. In Italy, more than 6,4 doctors, nurses and other professionals have already been diagnosed with the new coronavirus — 66 died infected, according to data from the Italian Civil Defense.
Italy is the country with the most deaths related to covid-19. According to data made available this Wednesday (1) by Italian authorities, 13.155 have died since the virus was detected in the country at the end of January. “Using my skills, medical staff can communicate with patients without needing direct contact,” explained Tommy the robot, named after the son of one of the hospital's doctors.
These machines also contribute to reducing the number of masks and other protective materials that are used daily. “Nowadays these materials are a scarce resource”, said doctor Gianni Bonelli, director of the hospital.
Tommy and his fellow “nurses” also benefit from not being subject to exhaustion. A quick battery change and they're ready to get back to work.
