NHS National Services Scotland (NHS NSS) has struck a deal to expand the use of video consulting in the country’s health and social care sector.
It has agreed a contract, valued at £1.2 million, with video consulting specialist AttendAnywhere for an unlimited number of licences to use its Near Me platform.
It indicated this has come largely to maintain social distancing between clinicians and patients during the coronavirus pandemic.
The deal was arranged without the regular competition process due to the urgency of finding a solution.
Widespread availability
A spokesperson for NHS NSS told UKAuthority: “The Attend Anywhere video consulting system can be utilised by any health or social care provider.
“There are a wide variety of services currently using the system, including general practices, outpatient services, community services, care homes and the third sector. There are no restrictions on the health and social care services which can use the system.”
Implementation has already begun with health boards across Scotland scaling up the use of the Near Me platform.
The spokesperson added that third sector organisations can also make applications to use the software.
It is a secure form of video consulting approved for use by the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.
Image from iStock, fizkes
