‘Choozomatic’ praised by NHS Institute
- 21 July 2008
The ‘Choozomatic’ – a patient voice-activated, touch screen device that is wirelessly linked to wristbands telling doctors and nurses who needs their help, has been singled out for praise by the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement.
The Choozomatic, developed by Chloee Robinson from Charter Primary School in Coventry, has only reached the cardboard and tinfoil design stage at the moment. But if it ever became a reality, it would also provide the patient with a choice of entertainment and menu options – and a handy toothbrush holder.
Chloee visited the Institute’s Coventry headquarters along with other Year 6 pupils from her primary school, who have been working on project on the future of the NHS.
A spokesperson said it was “amazing how the pupils independently came up with ideas that reflected some of the NHS’ key priorities, such as patient choice and the adoption of new technology, but gave them their own futuristic twist.”
The Institute also gave a prize to Anthony Itota’s ‘MyHospitalRoom’ – which includes an “emotion detector” to let doctors, nurses and visitors know how a patient is feeling – and Jade Kelly and Hannah Anderson’s ‘All in One Hospital’ robotic service – which combines a hospital and dentist under one roof with a robot to help patients.
Other technology concepts put forward for the project include hovering hospital beds, TVs that react to people’s voices and rocket-propelled community centres that jet in to where they are needed.
The pupils, who may now risk being head-hunted by technology firms and consultancies, developed their proof of concept by creating pictures, drawings and 3D dioramas to represent their futuristic view of future health services.
Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the NHS Institute, said: “As the first 60 years of the NHS draws to a close, it’s exciting to look forward and imagine what future users of the service will require in the next 60.
“This project not only shows the creativity of children, it underlines a serious point, that it’s often collaboration between the public and NHS staff that leads to the most effective changes. I am looking forward to seeing some of these ideas in action.”
Link
NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement