Pioneering nurses' injuries unit

Nurses can liaise with doctors via video-conferencing

Nurses in a Conwy hospital are running a minor injuries unit without the aid of doctors in a pioneering initiative.

Colwyn Bay Community Hospital's department was previously staffed by local GP's but the cover was withdrawn and two nurses took over the department.

The pair have been fully trained and use a state-of-the art video-conferencing system to link to doctors in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd more than 20 miles away if they need further advice.

The system, believed to be the first in Wales, enables the less mobile in society to access the NHS within their community.

"It's holistic care and it's putting the profession in the forefront," said Sister Lesley Shaw.

We're using it primarily for dermatology and minor injuries Sister Lesley Shaw

"It's very popular, we serve quite a large part of the population here.

"We assess patients, prioritise, organise any treatment we feel necessary, interpret x-rays and refer if necessary," she added.

The emergency practitioners are on duty during daytime hours, Monday to Friday.

If they need further assistance, Ms Shaw said, the video-conferencing proves invaluable.

Video links

"It's something the Welsh assembly initiated," she said.

"We're using it primarily for dermatology and minor injuries."

Patients can speak to doctors via the video-conferencing and x-rays which need discussing are sent via e-mail.

Video links have already been established between the three community hospitals in Colwyn Bay, Denbigh and Ruthin.