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IT was once a concept reserved for works of science fiction. However, a Scottish health board is looking at using holograms to welcome patients and visitors to hospital.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde could deploy the technology to staff the reception desk at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
However, there are warnings the move ‘may present challenges’ for older people or those with accessibility needs, amid claims the technology could prove off-putting or difficult to use for some hospital visitors.
Holograms like this could soon be used to direct hospital visitors and free up time for humans to deal with more complicated requests
Kiryl Chykeyuk, chief executive of one of the UK’s leading hologram companies Hypervsn, claims holographic receptionists would be ‘user-friendly’
Age Scotland chief executive Katherine Crawford said: ‘A move towards a digital- by-default system that removes in-person interaction may present challenges when it comes to ensuring older people and those with accessibility needs can access services in a way that is most comfortable for them.’
Under the health board’s plan, anyone arriving at the hospital would encounter lifelike and interactive 3D holograms which could offer directions to wards and clinics.
The virtual assistants could also provide information on topics such as parking or visiting hours in a wide variety of languages.
While the proposal is in its early stages, health bosses are seeking information from firms that would be able to provide the tech.
A spokesman for the health board said: ‘Holographic technology may have the potential to help us communicate with people in multiple languages or in sign language, or to provide directions to patients and visitors.’
