Computers moove with the times at Ninewells Hospital

Two COWs caused quite a “steer” when they appeared on a Ninewells Hospital ward on Tuesday.

The computers on wheels (COWs) will allow medical staff to check laboratory results and X-rays at patients’ bedsides and add notes to medical records.

The first two COWs were introduced to ward 22, the hospital’s renal unit, but a whole herd will be in place soon.

Unit leader Dr Iain Henderson said six COWs were purchased, partly through charitable donations.

He said the computers on trolleys are very “steerable” and not only are they very useful to medical staff doing ward rounds but can also be used by patients wishing to track their results.

“A lot of patients want to see their own results,” he added. “The computer screen is height adjustable so we can wheel it up to them.”