The potential to save hundreds of premature babies is on the horizon as new technologies, including specialised robots, are set to be introduced, even allowing doctors to treat babies remotely.

New “robots” are now allowing doctors to have video calls at Liverpool Women’s and Alder Hey children’s hospitals to assist with babies who are ill or prematurely born.

“Teledoc” devices for the neonatal units are being introduced so that smaller hospitals can assist in treating children, especially during emergencies.

The robotic devices have cameras, screens and stethoscopes, and can also link up to MRI scanners and thermal-imaging cameras, allowing doctors to connect remotely to review a patient’s case, there and then.

Dr. Chris Dewhurst, the director of the Liverpool Neonatal Partnership, said: “This definitely has the potential to save the lives of extremely preterm infants who were born outside of specialist centres, and improve their outcomes.

“What we’ve demonstrated is that it’s easy to use, it improves the quality of care for babies and their families, improves the speed of review, and it is very close to being there in person.”

In the UK each year around 90,000 babies require specialist care.

Dr. Dewhurst continued: “We now need to find the funding so that babies who were born in other hospitals who need immediate intervention.”

SPUC comment

A SPUC spokesperson said: “With advances in modern technology premature babies can receive the proper care and support that they need to survive and thrive.

“The effectiveness of being able to answer questions and review medical records from anywhere should not be underestimated.

“We hope more research and funding will be provided to neonatal units across the UK. Life matters.”

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