NHS Highland promoting Near Me video consultation service
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Health bosses say video consultations enable patients to attend health appointments from home without the need for potentially lengthy journeys.
Near Me is a video consultation platform enabling patients across Highland and Argyll and Bute to attend appointments from the comfort of their own home – or anywhere else convenient.
In September, over 1900 individual consultations in NHS Highland took place using Near Me.
And NHS Highland has revealed that each consultant’s appointment using Near Me in the Highlands has saved an average of 100 miles of travel – or around 190,000 miles saved last month alone.
Andrina Robb, Near Me support manager for NHS Highland, said: “Near Me has so many benefits to patients, but most importantly it gives them options on accessing healthcare in a way that is easy and comfortable for them.
“Many people are unable to travel far distances to hospital appointments due to work schedules, caring responsibilities or mobility issues.
“Near Me saves patients having to take time off work, organise childcare, or transport.
“The system is also safe and secure, and very straightforward to use. There is no app to download or registration required.
“Your details remain private, just like any other appointment.
“All you need is a device for making video calls, like a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and an internet connection.
“If you don’t have these things, Near Me rooms are available in some GP surgeries and other locations.
“You can even invite along a friend or family member for support, and they can join the call even if they live far away.”
From patient feedback, 82.4 per cent of patients who took part in Near Me appointments said they appreciated not having to travel to their appointments, and 78.1 per cent said that the process had saved them time.
Ms Robb said: “Some patients have said Near Me can save them several hours, and is as good as a personal conversation, as well as being more relaxing because you are in your own home environment.”
She and her team delved into more detail on the various benefits of Near Me in the ‘Be My Guest’ podcast which premiered on Inverness Hospital Radio last Saturday evening.
Listeners can still catch it online now, however, on the website’s Listen Again page.
For more information email NHSH.NearMeEnquiries@nhs.scot
