Ref. 73144-22A TALKING robot worth £22,500 is proving to be a real lifesaver for staff at Great Western Hospital.

Following a successful loan spell in June 2003, Sim Man a state-of-the-art training dummy has quickly established itself as a valued member of the team.

It was considered a real scoop for the GWH only a handful of NHS trusts have the robot.

Jonathon Taylor, a resuscitation consultant, reckons it has helped hone skills and save lives.

"The feedback we are getting doctors and nurses is very good," he said. "It's certainly making training a lot easier for staff within the critical care environment."

A group of 12 have been designated trainers and will now take the robot to different departments.

Unlike conventional dummies, Sim Man, which is made by Norwegian firm, Laerdal, can be used to practice more advanced medical skills.

It has its own working lungs and users can even feel for a pulse.

"Sim Man is much better than the old-style dummies," said Mr Taylor. "It adds an element of realism that you need when you are training.

"My only problem is that it speaks with an American accent we would rather it have a good old Wiltshire dialect."