Robert Cast from Kinsale Community School, Cork received a special award, sponsored by RCSI, at the 2007 BT Young Scientist Exhibition.

The project entitled ‘The Card for Life’, examined ways of improving the problems in A&E departments in Ireland and dramatically cutting waiting times for patients.

Based on a scientific method that required a vast knowledge of computer programming and IT skills, Robert developed a system that he believes would reduce A&E waiting times and also aid faster treatment of patients both by GP and paramedics at the scene of an accident.

Describing how he came up with the theme for the project, Robert Cast explained: “During two weeks work experience spent in the Mercy Hospital, Cork, I was shown different departments of the hospital, how these departments worked and what aspects they dealt with. Upon spending one day in the A&E department, I soon realised why so much funding and government initiative has gone into solving the problem of A&E congestion. This led me to ask many questions. Is there a way that could speed up waiting times in A&E departments?”

Established in 1964, the BT Young Scientist Exhibition is now in its 43rd year. 2007 has seen the greatest number of entry applications, with over 1,278 projects being submitted by students throughout Ireland. As a centre for world-class research and education, this is the fourth year that the RCSI has sponsored a special award at the exhibition.