R&D firm leads tele-health project

The Advanced Digital Institute (ADI) in Saltaire will develop the hi-tech IT system to help patients receive healthcare in their homes via TVs.

Information from doctors and healthcare professionals will be broadcast into their homes, offering patients a revolutionary method of receiving advice and support.

The Airedale NHS Trust will be the first to use the Tele-health Consultation technology to provide live teleconsultations, but if successful, hospitals around the world could adopt the system to boost care facilities and free up more time for health professionals.

This is an exciting project which will change the way patients receive care in the home while also providing numerous economic and social benefits

John Eaglesham

CEO

ADI

By using cameras with zoom and pan controls doctors will be able to examine a patient remotely and provide them with information clips relevant to their condition.

John Eaglesham, ADI Chief Executive Officer, said: "This is an exciting project which will change the way patients receive care in the home while also providing numerous economic and social benefits.

The system is expected to save the NHS and patients money by reducing travel costs to and from hospitals and it will also ease the pressure on hospital facilities such as consultation rooms and waiting areas.

Bradford-based Red Embedded Design will help create the system using its TV-based videophone, and another local technology company BTL, which is based in Shipley, will help develop interactive e-learning applications for the service.

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