21st Century technology reshaping Scottish healthcare
Trailblazing technology is transforming every aspect of healthcare in Scotland.
In the same way as X-rays and antibiotics revolutionised the diagnosis and treatment of patients in an earlier era, our experience of hospital is being re-shaped by 21st Century developments including artificial intelligence, 3D printing – and even holograms.
Earlier this year the Sunday Post revealed surgeons in Scotland are to use 3D printers in a ground-breaking project making operations – including for cancer patients – safer and quicker.
For the first time, medics will be able to print super-detailed models of their patients before beginning surgery.
The full-colour models – accurate to within a tenth of a millimetre – will help surgeons prepare for even the most complex procedures by allowing them to visualise the patient’s affected organ or body part in three dimensions. Based on the models, medics will also be to print specially-tailored guides to help direct their scalpel or laser – making surgery even more accurate.
The technology is being pioneered in Scotland by NHS Grampian who have purchased a state-of-the art 3D Printer “with ultra realism for surgical planning” which is to be installed at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
We also revealed how patients and visitors arriving at one of the country’s busiest hospitals could in future be greeted by high-tech holograms – with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde considering deploying holographic technology to staff the reception desk at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Anyone arriving at the hospital would encounter life-like and interactive 3D holograms which could offer directions to all the different wards and clinics – while also providing useful information on topics such as parking or visiting hours.