A Canadian harp seal pup has found a good home at Queen’s Hospital, Burton, where it is set to bring happiness and relaxation to distressed, elderly patients. But this fluffy creature does not mind being so far from the sea, because he is an advanced, interactive robot developed by a pioneering Japanese inventor.The Trust that runs the hospital is delighted to be among the first in the country to adopt this new technology as innovative therapy for patients who are subdued, depressed, stressed or anxious. Julie Thompson, Senior Nurse for Older People, said: “Care homes and hospitals in seven countries have used and evaluated this robot seal in recent years, and it has been shown to be very effective at easing depression, reducing agitation and encouraging social interaction. “It’s still relatively rare in NHS hospitals in the UK and we’re delighted to add it to the range of holistic therapies and treatments that we offer in our continually improving care for the frail elderly and those with dementia.”
This is no simple cuddly toy. The pup has built-in sensors and microphones so that it can react to sound and touch. Its artificial intelligence allows it to recognise voices and ‘learn’ which of its behaviours make patients laugh and respond so it can repeat them. It interacts with people through baby seal-like movements and noises. In recent years the Trust has forged ahead with significant improvements in the care of patients with dementia. It successfully met the challenge set by Prime Minister David Cameron to have a Dementia Champion on every adult NHS ward and it was among the first Trusts in the UK to acquire RemPods – pop-up reminiscence rooms – to help patients relax and stimulate long term memories and conversation.
Last November, the Trust launched a forward-thinking three-year dementia strategy and went on to create a specialist enhanced care team to provide care exclusively for patients with dementia. The seal pup has been paid for out of charitable funds – further evidence of the Trust’s commitment to strive to provide outstanding care for patients with dementia and the elderly. Julie said: “Studies show that the robot pup calms people down when they get upset and anxious. It makes them laugh, brings them out of themselves and makes them more sociable. The benefits continue long after the pup has gone back in its box. Patients who spend time with the pup are less stressed and start talking and smiling to each other and to their carers.”
The hospital sees the robot seal as an extension of the pets as therapy work that is already provided at the Trust. Margaret Leason is one volunteer who brings her dog Izzy in to the hospital to spend time with patients. But Izzy can only stay for a while and this seal pup will be a permanent member of the hospital team able to entertain and comfort patients for as long as needed with none of the complications that a live animal can bring; there are no worries about allergies, walking or feeding or the fact that some people may be scared of dogs.
Takanori Shibata, a researcher at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), invented the robot. A seal was chosen because it was unlikely that any patients would have negative emotions connected with this animal. A cat or dog, on the other hand, may have scratched or bitten them in the past. Research also showed that the big eyes and round face of a seal pup prompted more positive responses from people than other creatures – it had the ‘Aaaah factor’. The seal pup runs on batteries which are recharged through a dummy-like device that is popped in its mouth. Weighing 2.7 kg, about the same as a large cat, the pup can be comfortably cradled in a patient’s lap and will snuggle into them like a real animal if they pick it up and cuddle it. The pup will also learn to recognise its name and a competition is being held among staff members to choose one.
Julie said: “The pup will be looked after by our Activities Co-ordinator Sharon Hutchings and we’ve developed plans for how the pup will be used – under staff supervision – as part of the structured care we offer for elderly patients and those with dementia.”
Lead Dementia Nurse, Alison Haynes, said: “When people with dementia have to be admitted to hospital, as a result of another illness or injury, they can become very distressed and confused and often need one-to-one nursing. We are delighted that we’ve been able to add this inventive robot seal pup to the raft of activities and care we offer to our elderly patients.”
Chief Executive Helen Ashley said: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring this therapeutic robot pup into the hospital. It is further proof of our passion to continually improve and innovate in the area of dementia care.”
For more information please contact
Rebecca Salari
Communications Officer
Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Telephone: 01283 566333 extension 5478
Email: [email protected]