Ambulance Of Tomorrow Unveiled

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 24 Jun 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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'Smart Pod', ideas for the ambulance of the future - was unveiled to the NHS and the healthcare industry at the NHS Innovation Expo in London.

The Innovation Expo brings together NHS exhibitors from across England as well as leading healthcare companies, showcasing the very best of healthcare innovations from the UK and abroad.

Smart Pod's revolutionary design takes the best features from the present day ambulance and combines them with revolutionary new functions including an expandable mobile treatment centre and Smart Infection Control along with a raft of clinical innovations that utilise state of the art communications technologies.

The 'Smart Pod' transforms into a mini treatment centre, providing fast treatment in an emergency or a major incident. It also fulfils the traditional function of an ambulance, treating patients whilst transporting them to hospital, where needed.

The 'Smart Pod' is a joint venture between the Royal College of Art and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council who came up with the design following the initial project launched by the National Patient Safety Agency in 2005. Loughborough University also helped design the inside of the pod so that the furniture helps prevent the spread of healthcare associated infections such as MRSA and C Difficile.

Professor Jonathan Benger from the research team behind the 'Smart Pod' said:

"Although NHS clinical staff such as paramedics and nurses, have the necessary skills to treat people on-the-spot but emergency vehicles have not evolved to provide the necessary facilities. Smart Pods includes a range of revolutionary mobile and portable technologies that transcend the limitations of current ambulance vehicles and equipment."

Dave Whiting, Director of East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust said,

"We welcome this important area of research and look forward to further developing these concepts and systems further. This research is very important in providing practical information that will be vital in future pilot scheme and procurements of the 'Smart Pod.' "

The Smart Pod is in the initial stages of development but could be something rolled-out across the NHS if a pilot scheme proves to be successful. Professor Jonathan Benger and his design team as well as participating NHS Trusts are now discussing the future of these new designs.

Source
The Department of Health, UK