Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, has approved £650,000 funding for a new system to allow GPs, paramedics and other healthcare professionals to get immediate specialist advice when reviewing and treating patients.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The Consultant Connect app has been fast-tracked for use in NHS Wales to help deal with the Covid-19 outbreak and support primary care in the long term to offer better advice and guidance to patients.
By accessing speedy advice the new app will help prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and referrals and ensure that those needing hospital treatment are managed accordingly.
The core service, being rolled out across Wales, gives clinicians access to specialists in respiratory medicine, cardiology, diabetes, palliative care and acute medicine for COVID. Health Boards can also add access to a range of local advice that is appropriate to their patients’ needs.
A GP or other clinician accesses the service either by dialling a phone number or using the Consultant Connect app. After choosing a specialty from a menu they are connected with a specialist in an average of 25 seconds.
The Minister said:
I am very pleased we are able to start rolling out the Consultant Connect in NHS Wales. This will help to support primary care to determine the right treatment for their patients.
Right now it will save crucial time for health care professionals and reduce the amount of hospital visits needed by patients, at a time when our NHS is facing extra pressure.
“In the long-term the use of this technology is an important part of our plan for the future of health and social care, A Healthier Wales. Making the most of technology is vital to us building a modern health and social care service, in which care is delivered closer to home.