Shopping centres to get TVs linking to hospital experts

TELEVISION screens could be fitted in shopping centres linking people directly to experts in Lothians hospitals under new plans being considered by health bosses.

Venues such as the Gyle Centre and the Almondvale outlet in West Lothian would have the live link-up, which could provide almost instant attention.

If taken forward, the facility, called Telepresence, could be used either in an emergency or by prior appointment to save a local patient a lengthier journey into hospital.

It is the latest in a series of ideas by NHS Lothian using video-conferencing technology, and could save millions of pounds in transport costs.

The roll-out, which would also see rural clinics and medical centres fitted with the screens, has been mooted because health board bosses have been impressed by a trial link-up between accident and emergency wards at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and St John's Hospital in Livingston.

As well as the cameras, a range of medical tools are incorporated to allow tests to be carried out and the results transmitted electronically. This allows experts to issue instructions on treatment from a distance. Iain Robertson, NHS Lothian's head of IT operations, said: "The system is a very high-quality video tool.

"At one end is the patient pod, which has various diagnostic devices and is run by a qualified nurse.

"At the other end is the clinician, who can discuss the complaint with the patient and hopefully diagnose the problem."

Another long-term benefit could be for patients in more far-flung areas of the Lothians, who potentially face up to a 50-mile round trip to get to hospital.

Mr Robertson added: "As an example, at St John's we have the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery. A patient from Dunbar coming to see a specialist in St John's would need to travel to Livingston for what may be a 20-minute appointment.

"In future, the Telepresence system will allow the patient to go to his or her local health centre for the consultation."