The Welsh Government has approved the national roll out of video health consultations as part of its response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The technology is being implemented with money from the £50 million Digital Priorities Investment Fund, following a successful pilot run in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area and managed by the Technology Enabled Care progamme since 2018.
It will enable people to consult with NHS staff through smartphones, tablets or computers with a webcam running Chrome or Safari browsers.
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “This technology will help people access healthcare advice from their homes, particularly if they are self-isolating because of the virus, while helping the NHS cope with an increase in demand.
“I’m pleased we’re at the forefront of using this digital technology throughout Wales.”
The Welsh Government said the use of video consultations will play a part in a long term effort to reduce the pressure on frontline NHS services.
Image from US Dept of Agriculture, public domain
