Algorithms · December 2020Gaffe level: Blunder
Stanford's Vaccine Algorithm Prioritized Administrators Over Frontline Doctors
An algorithm meant to fairly distribute the first COVID vaccines gave priority to administrators working from home over frontline residents. Stanford blamed a complex algorithm and redid the plan after protests.
Source: MIT Technology Review
A Belfast Surgical Robot Has Treated 130 Complex Cases Since May
Belfast City Hospital's Da Vinci 5 robotic platform for gynaecology has treated 130 patients needing complex surgery since its launch in May 2026, and the longest inpatient wait in Belfast Trust has fallen from seven years to three. A new 1.95 million pound investment in endometriosis services will expand the specialist centres and local care behind that progress.