This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Teleneurology system trialled to speed up advice access
New technology is being piloted at the Countess of Chester Hospital to speed up the time it takes for neurology patients to be seen by a specialist.
The Neuro Network – a partnership led by The Walton Centre through NHS England’s vanguard programme - is implementing a new system of ‘teleneurology’, a technology allowing doctors in other acute hospitals to have remote consultations with neurologists from The Walton Centre at the patient’s bedside via a video link, such as Skype business.
Skype allows consultations to take place via a secure and encrypted portal, while a ‘high quality camera’ allows clinicians to take a history and examine patients with the DGH doctor facilitating.
With doctors time and resources often limited, it is hoped that the trial will bridge the gap.
Dr Martin Wilson, consultant neurologist and clinical divisional director for neurology at The Walton Centre, said: “This is an exciting venture which will enable us to expand on the service we already provide in district general hospitals.
“With the help of Justin Griffiths and his team in IM&T at The Walton Centre, working with the project team in the Vanguard, we have built and connected two tele-consultation carts but also developed a web-based referral ‘hub’ where the referring hospital can see available consultation slots and complete the referral electronically. The hub will also act as a repository where the satellite hospital can access a range of Walton clinical pathways and other resources.
“The benefit [of the technology] is that patients get rapid access to the right treatment and advice and, in some cases, if they are well enough, can be discharged quicker.”
If successful, the technology will also be extended across other hospitals throughout Cheshire and Merseyside.
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only hospital trust in the UK specialising in neurology, neurosurgery and pain services.
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