Patients trial new GP video-link

Doctors will be able to assess the images from Dundee

New technology that will allow medical staff to offer "virtual" health care is being trialled in Perthshire.

An out-of-hours GP video link is being piloted between Blairgowrie and Dundee for patients attending the minor illness and injury unit.

The service is aimed at reducing the need for patients to travel to Dundee for face-to-face consultations.

The three-month "telemedicine" project follows a similar trial in Grampian earlier this year.

A spokeswoman for the health authority said the system could be used to assess the seriousness of rashes or other visual issues that normally require a visit to a GP.

An attendant will be present to operate the video and audio technology for the patient.

It will also reduce the amount of time the patient has to wait and their cost of travel including ambulances and taxis to and from other healthcare facilities Bill Nicoll

If successful, the trial will be rolled out to Crieff and then Pitlochry.

The scheme has been set up by the Scottish Centre for Telehealth and NHS Scotland.

Staff and patients will be surveyed on their opinion of the system with extra training and support offered to NHS employees.

General manager for Perth & Kinross Community Health Partnership, Bill Nicoll, said: "The service should reduce unnecessary transfers of patients to other healthcare facilities by accessing remote medical advice to support nurses and patients during the out-of-hours periods.

Travel costs

"It will also reduce the amount of time the patient has to wait and their cost of travel, including ambulances and taxis to and from other healthcare facilities.

"This will also benefit staff in lessening the cost of travel for them and is better use of their time."

NHS Tayside said a similar service providing a real-time video link between Perth Royal Infirmary Midwifery Unit and Ninewells Hospital Labour Ward is also planned for the near future.

It is hoped the move will reduce the number of trips pregnant women have to make to Ninewells for assessment, as well as providing quicker access to specialist medical opinion.