'Smart' Operating Rooms Installed at PWH

Two high-tech, fully automated operating rooms have been installed at the Prince of Wales Hospital. These new surgical suites will enhance the safety of the patient during minimally invasive procedures by boosting the comfort and performance of the surgeon and the surgical team. They will also facilitate the training and research programmes of the CUHK Jockey Club Minimally Invasive Surgical Skills Centre.

The centre, which opened on 18th November 2005, is one of the most sophisticated, multidisciplinary centres of its kind in the Asia Pacific region. It conducts cutting-edge research in surgical technologies, aimed at enhancing Hong Kong's position as an international hub for medical sciences and surgical research. And to support this effort, two endo-surgery operating theatre suites have been upgraded to 'smart' operating rooms. Each room allows the surgeons and nurses to control the entire surgical suites through a panel system. Equipment and monitors are suspended from the ceiling by means of boom arm technology, allowing medical personnel to move unimpeded and optimal positioning of equipment while eliminating hazardous cords and wires from traversing the operating floor.

To support this initiative and the operation of the centre, Hewlett Packard Hong Kong Ltd. has donated computer equipment to power up the centre.