NHS Lanarkshire Implements Consultant Connect to Reduce Unnecessary A&E Visits
NHS Lanarkshire Health Board has officially adopted technology from telemedicine provider Consultant Connect following a successful trial with the Scottish Ambulance Service. The Consultant Connect app allows paramedics to connect with local A&E consultants within seconds, providing rapid specialist advice for patients with non-life-threatening conditions.
This innovative approach aims to streamline patient care by directing patients to the most appropriate services, reducing unnecessary A&E admissions and ensuring timely treatment. During the pilot phase, a high percentage of patients were able to receive care in the community, thanks to the quick access to expert advice.
Dr. Gordon McNeish, emergency medicine consultant at NHS Lanarkshire, highlighted the positive impact of the technology on patient experiences, emphasizing the importance of professional-to-professional communication for better outcomes.
CEO of Consultant Connect, Jonathan Patrick, commended NHS Lanarkshire for prioritizing patient care and embracing healthcare technology to improve service delivery. The successful implementation of Consultant Connect demonstrates the board’s commitment to enhancing patient care and efficiency in the healthcare system.
As Consultant Connect becomes a standard practice in NHS Lanarkshire, the board expects to continue benefiting from the technology’s ability to keep patients out of hospitals and provide specialized care for complex cases, such as the elderly and frail.
