09/22/08

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) _ A hospital in northern Idaho is
touting a new set of beds that can issue warnings and ask a patient
questions in 14 different languages.

Officials at the Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene say
the 12 new ``Smart Beds'' are part of a remodel in its intensive
care unit.

The beds, developed by Stryker, a global medical technology
company, cost about $25,500 apiece.

But nurses and hospital staff say the value of the beds is not
in their language skills, but in the other critical services each
provides.

For example, the beds are primarily designed to assist in caring
for patients with serious heart and lung problems. The beds have
sensors that can monitor heart rates or track a patient's weight.
The mattresses are designed to deliver pulses to patients requiring
pulmonary treatment.

The beds can also issue a series of statements, including asking
if patients are hungry or urging them to stay put if the bed
detects a patient trying to leave.
___

Information from: The Spokesman-Review,
http://www.spokesmanreview.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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