Visiting a GP could become a thing of the past as surgeries start using Skype online services to tend to patients needs.
So far the scheme has worked in Manchester, by Moss Side Family Medical Practice and in University Hospital North Staffordshire.
At the moment the scheme is still being trailed and tested, the consultations are being arranged beforehand with medical practices. calling patients on Skype.
Skype is a free service that is already been used by widely amongst the general population even by elderly ones. As they often use it to stay in touch with their families abroad.
However it will never replace the core of general practice – sometimes doctors have to put their hand on tummy or be able to feel the patient to make the right assessment. But it is a great tool that can add something and has lots of applications the future looks promising.
Garion Wentworth talks to Gary Hotine Health Director for South Devon NHS Trust tells us more about the origins of the service.
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[audio: https://archive.org/download/SkypeGpConsultation/SkypeConsul_Package_GDW_19032014_backup.mp3]
