Shopping centres to get TVs linking to hospital experts
Venues such as the Gyle Centre and the Almondvale outlet in West Lothian would have the live link-up, which could provide almost instant attention.
If taken forward, the facility, called Telepresence, could be used either in an emergency or by prior appointment to save a local patient a lengthier journey into hospital.
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Hide AdIt is the latest in a series of ideas by NHS Lothian using video-conferencing technology, and could save millions of pounds in transport costs.
The roll-out, which would also see rural clinics and medical centres fitted with the screens, has been mooted because health board bosses have been impressed by a trial link-up between accident and emergency wards at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and St John's Hospital in Livingston.
As well as the cameras, a range of medical tools are incorporated to allow tests to be carried out and the results transmitted electronically. This allows experts to issue instructions on treatment from a distance. Iain Robertson, NHS Lothian's head of IT operations, said: "The system is a very high-quality video tool.
"At one end is the patient pod, which has various diagnostic devices and is run by a qualified nurse.
"At the other end is the clinician, who can discuss the complaint with the patient and hopefully diagnose the problem."
Another long-term benefit could be for patients in more far-flung areas of the Lothians, who potentially face up to a 50-mile round trip to get to hospital.
Mr Robertson added: "As an example, at St John's we have the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery. A patient from Dunbar coming to see a specialist in St John's would need to travel to Livingston for what may be a 20-minute appointment.
"In future, the Telepresence system will allow the patient to go to his or her local health centre for the consultation."