Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust (LGT) is the first NHS Trust in the country to offer video consultations for cardiology patients – enabling them to get the specialist advice they need without the hassle of travelling to hospital.
Hospital appointments will continue to be provided for patients who are required to see a healthcare professional in person, if they don’t have a smartphone or would prefer an on-site appointment. After only a few weeks into the three month pilot - the new video consultation service, supported by Q doctor, is receiving a good uptake and very positive feedback from patients, who are already seeing the benefits.
Dr Zeeshan Khawaja, the Consultant Cardiologist trialling the new service at LGT said**:** “We believe we are the first NHS Trust in the country to offer video consultations for specialist care. This is a fantastic service for patients who have been discharged from our A&E, and referred for a follow-up cardiac appointment. Video appointments enable us as specialist healthcare professionals to engage rapidly with these patients to ensure that they get the care they need in a timely manner. We can provide important expert advice and arrange further tests where necessary without the need for patients to return to the hospital, having already been seen in the emergency department.”
“Offering video consultations is not only convenient for patients, but it also makes sure that we don’t lose the personal rapport that we build. We can also be more flexible, offering appointments at times that suit our patients. It also frees up clinicians’ time and allows us to see a greater number of patients with complex cardiovascular problems more quickly, while still delivering a high quality service.”
David Meynell, from Welling in Kent, was one of the first patients to benefit from the service. Commenting on his experience he said: “The video consultation was incredibly convenient. I have multiple sclerosis and coming to hospital is a hassle; I have to get a cab and it is quite expensive. Phone calls feel very impersonal, but having a video appointment felt just like I was talking to my consultant in person which really put me at ease. I just used my smartphone and it was great getting all the advice I needed without making a trip to the hospital.”
Q Doctor, the UK-based, online video system used for the service is a free app is already being used by 75 GP practices and other Trusts across the country; however thanks to this new partnership, LGT is the first NHS Trust to offer hospital appointments via video link for patients who require cardiology outpatient support.
Dr Chris Whittle, founder of Q Doctor, commented: “It’s great to see modernisation of a health service traditionally delivered in person; the transition to secure video makes it very convenient for patients and we’re very excited to see a specialist service putting it into practice. As well as reducing the practical challenges and costs of travelling for specialist advice for patients, it also enables hospitals to continue delivering high-quality care, whilst creating efficiencies within overstretched NHS budgets.”
Professor Tony Young, national clinical lead for innovation for NHS England, said:
“As a junior doctor, Chris joined NHS England’s clinical entrepreneur programme and since then he’s developed his platform for digital and video consultation services.