CHASE Hospital is at the forefront of advances in technology this week, as it begins to herd Computers on Wheels (COWS) into McIlwain Ward as part of a new pilot scheme. Taking advantage of the latest technology, the mobile computers have wireless access, allowing equipment to move freely around the ward and to the patient's bedside. Along with enabling ward staff to enter information, COWS displays the images of scans and X-rays, so patients can be more involved in their care and treatment. There are two different types of COWS, a laptop cart and a PC cart. The staff are piloting both machines to identify which version works best on the ward. Ann Malone, the ward sister, is enthusiastic about the pilot scheme, "We are always looking for opportunities to improve the quality of care and the level of service we can provide to our patients. "We were very keen to trial the new machines on our ward to demonstrate how it can enhance the hospital's environment for both staff and patients. "So far, the pilot is going well with positive feedback received from all who have participated". A successful pilot will mean that COWS are introduced into all the community hospitals in North Hampshire, with plans to introduce them elsewhere throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.