The Welsh government has unveiled a new app to help GPs, paramedics and other healthcare professionals deal with the Covid-19 outbreak.
Named Consultant Connect, it has been developed with funding of £650,000 recently approved by Health Minister Vaughan Gething and is also aimed at supporting primary care in the long term.
The core service, which is now being rolled out across Wales, gives clinicians access to specialists in respiratory medicine, cardiology, diabetes, palliative care and acute medicine for Covid-19 cases.
Health boards can also add access to a range of local advice.
A GP or other clinician can access a relevant service by dialling a phone number or using the app by choosing a speciality from a menu.
The Welsh Government said it should help to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and ensure those needing hospital treatment are managed accordingly.
Right treatment
Gething commented: “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.”
