A successful pilot scheme using video appointments for NHS patients in Stockport is now being expanded so more people can benefit from it.
The Stockport NHS Foundation Trust video appointments service was first introduced for community heart failure patients in mid-April in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.
Following positive feedback, it is now being used for patients in other areas at both Stepping Hill Hospital and the community.
The service has been expanded to help people using services for community diabetes, nutrition and dietetics, paediatrics, COPD, health visiting, occupational health and orthopaedic assessments.
The video consultations allow medical, nursing and other clinical staff to make face-to-face consultations via video-link.
While the system works on a similar principle to the videoconferencing software many more people are using now, it has enhanced data security and additional features such as a virtual waiting rooms.
Third parties can join the call both from the patient and the clinical side, for instance if the patient wishes to be joined by family members, or if they need examinations and advice from more than one clinician at the same time.
The system was introduced sooner at the trust due to the Covid19 emergency and the resulting need to greatly reduce face-to-face consultations, but health bosses say its advantages for patients are long term.
Not attending in person greatly reduces the risk of infection for both patients and clinicians which is so vital during the current public health emergency, but it is also more convenient and less time-consuming all round.
Trust chief executive Louise Robson said: “Face-to-face consultations where needed will still have their place, but we’re looking at a long-term change, which will have great benefits in both for both patients and the health service as a whole in terms of using its resources well.”
For more on the service visit the trust website at http://www.stockport.nhs.uk/AttendAnywhere.aspx, where you will find more information and videos on how to access the services.