(Cushing, Okla.) The future is here at Hillcrest Hospital Cushing!
HHC CEO Kevin Hawk introduced one of the latest additions of the staff – “Sheldon” – to those attending January’s Lunch & Learn. Sheldon, the robot, is equipped with a telescopic camera and a special stethoscope to listen to heart, breath and bowel sounds. He is also equipped with a personal phone for private conversations with patients. “Manning” the robot is a real live doctor who can speak to and be seen by patients.
“This technology has been used in other places for year,” Hawk told the audience. Hillcrest Hospital Cushing is the first and only one currently using a robot in the Hillcrest system.
Dr. Seuss (yes, that’s his real name), was able to talk to attendees and even zoom in to see them close up as a way to demonstrate the robot. Dr. Seuss is one of the doctors who will man the robot from Tulsa.
Several questions were asked about the robot such as “What happens if there is an internet failure?” and “Does it cost a patient extra to be seen by the robot?”
Dr. Seuss said the company who furnishes the robot is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and “responds quickly” to any type of internet or technical failure. Seuss also assured everyone that if need be, the physician will travel to the hospital to see the patient.
As for the cost – a visit by Sheldon is billed just like any other physician.
Hawk also introduced one of the new hospitalists now being utilized by HHC. Dr. Hampton was on hand to answer questions about the hospitalist program. Hospitalists are on duty at the hospital from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and are able to see patients of local physicians who have been admitted to the hospital – if the physician has given approval. Hospitalists also see patients who do not have a primary care physician. The same hospitalist is on duty for five days at a time, throughout the day. “Sheldon” takes over from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. should the need arise and has immediate access to hospital records, x-rays, medications, etc. Full-time Emergency Room doctors are still a part of HHC.
Other exciting news at Hillcrest Hospital Cushing include a new sleep labe, new digital mammography equipment and the expansion of the fourth floor unit. Hawk also said they are still “working diligently” to recruit new family physicians to replace Utica Park physicians Dr. Cupp and Dr. Adams. He also announced Dr. David Reineke has rejoined the staff. Reineke had moved to a clinic in Perkins. Recruitment also continues for two OB/Gyns, a full-time orthopedic surgeon and an ophthalmologist. Hawk said one of the two prospective OB/Gyns may be coming in May or June.
Hawk said since coming to Hillcrest Hospital Cushing last November, he has made being involved in the community a top priority. “It’s important for us (HHC) to be a good neighbor,” Hawk said.
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