A MIXED reality headset is enabling GPs to assess residents at Kendal Care Home in a Covid-secure way.

The device enables doctors to look 'through the eyes' of nurses at the Burton Road site without being there in person.

It is transforming how staff carry out their daily ward rounds.

The Microsoft HoloLens 2 has so far been used to assess around 60 residents who are bedfast or have skin conditions.

It is worn by a nurse at a resident's bedside and is linked to an app that sends a secure live feed to a GP.

Kendal GP Dr Richard Russell said: “HoloLens has enabled real-time communications with residents who really need it, whilst keeping them safe from Covid.

"It's improved quality and access, especially for those infirm, unwell and bed-bound.

"Worried families now feel happier and reassured.

"This is only the start, and we look forward to improving this concept for our residents.”

Alison Nicholson, lead nurse for Kendal Integrated Care Community (ICC), which brings together health professionals, the voluntary sector and the community, said she was proud of the home for taking 'such a leap of faith in uncharted waters and doing so well'.

"Not only has this kept people in the home safer with timely access to healthcare, it has also been useful for outpatient appointments, tissue viability and dietetic reviews," she said.

"This technology has such potential in many settings."

The mixed reality headset was introduced at the care home in October last year. It came as a result of collaboration between care home staff and local GPs. The project is backed by Kendal ICC and the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT).

The technology was initially piloted on respiratory wards at UHMBT hospitals in June 2020.

Dr Colin Brown, chief clinical information officer at UHMBT, described the project at the care home as 'really inspirational'.

"It is providing safe, clinical connections for residents and GPs during the coronavirus pandemic," he said.

"We are working closely with our partners across the integrated care system to see how we can further develop this technology to transform patient care across health and care settings.”