A ROBOTIC baby seal named Bob is helping to have a calming effect on dementia patients in the region.

Older people with dementia and Alzheimer's are benefitting from the interactive robotic seal which has been designed as a therapy to reduce stress and anxiety as well as improving mood.

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust has introduced the PARO seal, affectionately named Bob, after a four week trial across older people’s services in North Yorkshire, which showed that it had a calming and positive effect.

Jill Woodrup, Modern Matron in TEWV mental health services for older people in North Yorkshire, said “We first saw the seal during a conference in 2017 and there’s been a lot of research and evidence highlighting the positive benefits of its use in the care of patients living with dementia, alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments.

“This led us to contacting the PARO manufacturers, who kindly gave us a four week trial, to test the benefits of the product in our services.

"During our trial we witnessed some extremely emotional and effective interactions with the seal and we immediately knew it would be an asset to our services.”

The PARO seal has been a hit with patients since its introduction.

Ms Woodrup added: “A patient who had been experiencing disturbed periods on one of our wards was introduced to Bob within a few hours of us receiving him. They sat quietly stroking him and talking to him, which instantly reduced their anxiety and agitation. Bob is now part of this person’s care plan and is continuing to have a positive effect.”

PARO is an advanced interactive robot developed by AIST, a Japanese industrial automation pioneer. It allows the documented benefits of animal therapy to be administered to patients in environments such as hospitals and extended care facilities where live animals might present treatment or logistical difficulties.

Through sensors and artificial intelligence PARO responds to human interaction as if it is alive, moving its head and legs and making sounds. It can learn to behave in a way that the user prefers, and to respond to its new name and has been found to reduce stress.