NHS doctors to Skype Asperger syndrome and ADHD patients

Health & Social Care.jpg

Patients in Northamptonshire suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or Asperger syndrome will soon be able to speak to clinicians through online video calling website Skype, it has been reported.

According to the Northampton Chronicle and Echo newspaper, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS will be one of the first trusts in the country to offer the service, which will save time and costs, allowing more people to be seen.

Kobus Van Rensburg, a consultant clinical psychologist led the project said it gave clients the chance to "remain in the setting where they feel safe".

"It also means that they are able to have an appointment outside the standard team hours of 9am and 5pm as there is no need to book a clinic room for this." 

Online telephony could also become more widely used across the NHS. Former health minister Simon Burns said in February that digital technologies could help to improve care and that "Skype is one example of how such improvement can be effected".

And in August, Newham University Hospital launched a new pilot scheme involving Skype for its diabetes outpatients.

But ministers have also been keen to emphasise that pushing services online will not replace face-to-face contact with doctors.

This article was written for Public Service, to access the original article, please click here.