Robotic patient transfer system arrives at Mission Memorial

Mission Memorial Hospital has become the first small community hospital in the world to get a robotic patient transfer device that uses artificial intelligence to move patients between beds, stretchers, and imaging tables.

The ALTA Platform came to the hospital through a partnership between the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, Mission Health Care Auxiliary, the community of Mission, and Fraser Health. The idea came from recently retired Mission doctor and former site director Andrew Edelson, who heard about the device from a Doctors of BC publication.

"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," Edelson said.

Reducing injuries, improving patient care

The robotic device tackles one of healthcare's toughest jobs—moving patients who can't walk on their own between beds, stretchers, and tables. Right now, it takes anywhere from two to eight staff members, and it's a leading cause of workplace injuries.

"Imagine you have an elderly or injured patient laying on their back," Edelson explained. "Perhaps they have broken limbs or had a stroke. You need to move them from a stretcher to an x-ray table and then into their bed. You need 2-4 attendants to move them across a 4-6 foot space. There is potential for staff back injury, not to mention jostling the patient and causing pain."

The ALTA Platform uses robotics to handle transfers with minimal staff help. It also has SmartMoov™, a driving system that uses LIDAR and touch-sensitive controls to move patients smoothly.

The device should improve patient safety during transfers, reduce pain and discomfort, and significantly cut down on staff injuries and lost workdays.

"It should make the job of staff easier and faster and will soon pay for itself," Edelson said.

Canadian innovation for rural healthcare

The ALTA was developed by Canadian company Able Innovations and is made in Canada. Mission is one of the first hospitals in BC to buy one—only the second in the province, and the first small community hospital anywhere to get the technology.

"As our rural communities are confronted with diminishing labour pool in the face of increasing demand for healthcare, our rural facilities need do more with less," said Jayiesh Singh, CEO of Able Innovations. "By adopting the ALTA Platform, Mission Memorial is setting an example for how community healthcare can lead the way and address challenges through automation and robotics."

Community-funded

Alice Campbell, president of Mission Health Care Auxiliary, said the equipment was paid for with money raised at The Cottage Thrift Store and MMH gift shop, both run by Auxiliary volunteers.

"It is important for the public to know how the items they donate to The Cottage Thrift Store end up benefitting the community," Campbell said.

Edelson called it a team effort: "I heard of this piece of equipment as a member of the community, got support from Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, and received funding from the Mission Heath Care Auxiliary, all with the support of Fraser Health."