Wednesday - Jan 28 - Robot arrives at Mission hospital

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Mission Memorial Hospital has become the first small community hospital in the world to receive a robotic patient transfer system that uses artificial intelligence to move patients between beds and stretchers. Today's feature explores how the ALTA Platform, brought to Mission through community partnerships, addresses one of healthcare's biggest challenges—safely transferring patients who can't walk on their own, a task that currently requires up to eight staff members and is a leading cause of workplace injuries.

It's the second major medical technology advancement in Fraser Health this month, following Surrey Memorial Hospital's new da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system for minimally invasive cancer treatment that we covered last week.

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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.

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."

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Need to Know

🎓 UFV alumnus Liam Ritchie operates S.J. Ritchie Research Farms and Canadian Poultry Consultants in Abbotsford while mentoring agriculture students, continuing his father's legacy after Stewart Ritchie's 2023 death from cancer. [UFV]

👶 Fraser-Cascade School District's $4 million daycare facilities at Silver Creek and Kent Elementary Schools are expected to be completed in April, with Saltair Child Care Society contracted to operate the spaces funded by the Ministry of Education and Childcare. [Hope Standard]

🚇 Surrey-Langley SkyTrain construction remains on track for late 2029 service, with over 40% of guideway columns complete and all eight stations expected to be under construction by mid-2026, though Langley Township council raised concerns about single-elevator designs at stations. [Langley Advance Times]

👮 Abbotsford Police Foundation awarded over $330,000 in grants to AbbyPD for programs including violence prevention, youth leadership, victim services support, and a new community engagement trailer. [Abbotsford Police Foundation]

🎉 Langley City hosts a free Family Day event on February 16 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Timms Community Centre featuring inflatables, arts and crafts, and activities for families with children under 10. [Langley City]

💳 Chilliwack RCMP are seeking help identifying a female fraud suspect linked to stolen identity documents and transactions worth thousands of dollars across multiple BC jurisdictions on January 9. [Chilliwack RCMP]

🚁 Kent-Harrison Search and Rescue and North Shore Rescue saved two lost hikers and their dog from a steep gully on Bear Mountain's east face on January 24 using a night-time helicopter hoist amid freezing temperatures. [Agassiz-Harrison Observer]

🚗 Mission RCMP are investigating a suspicious incident on Phelps Avenue on January 20 where a man in a balaclava and green Crocs knocked forcefully on a residence before fleeing in a grey Toyota Rav4. [Mission Record]

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🗓 Things to do

Chilliwack Archives Behind the Scenes Tour: Explore rare historical collections and learn how Chilliwack's history is preserved on the last Friday of each month at 3:00 PM at Chilliwack Archives, with no registration required.

Yoga with HIM: Join Health Initiative for Men for beginner-friendly yoga on the second and last Friday of each month at 6:00 PM in The Slesse Room at Evergreen Hall, open to self-identified gay, bi, queer men, gender diverse people, and like-minded adults.

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