July 13 - State-of-the-Art Video Technology Reduces Travel, Transfers and Wait Times
July 13, 2009
State-of-the-Art Video Technology Reduces Travel, Transfers, and Wait Times
Local and Provincial Specialists Available at the Push of a Button, 24-7
(Durham Region) Kevin Empey, President and CEO of Lakeridge Health is pleased to announce the launch of state-of-the-art, video telemedicine services available at Lakeridge Health hospital sites in Bowmanville, Oshawa and Port Perry. Telemedicine is the delivery of healthcare using two-way videoconferencing systems with tele-diagnostic instruments like digital stethoscopes, otoscopes, patient examination cameras, endoscopic equipment, and digital imaging.
“Through real-time video and other integrated medical tools, our patients will have enhanced access to highly trained, specialized physicians within Lakeridge Health and around the province,” said Mr. Empey. “Telemedicine is transforming where and how patients receive care by bringing them, their physicians and other specialists and professionals face-to-face - whether they are towns or blocks apart,”he explained.
Telemedicine will play a significant role as LH continues to find better ways to provide safe, quality care for patients closer to home. This advanced technology should also alleviate the challenges of physician and other healthcare professional shortages – reducing travel times giving them more time to care for patients.
“The care of mental health, stroke and geriatric patients will benefit from this easier access to specialists and professional to professional consultation abilities.” said Dr. Mark Taylor, VP of Medical Affairs.
Telestroke consultation became operational on May 25h. Telestroke at Lakeridge Health Oshawa has averaged 4 consults a week. Telemedicine will be phased in at all LH’s Emergency Departments for Specialist consultation beginning July 6th.
“Telemedicine is a very positive step for all of our physicians and patients,” said Dr. Kevin Smith, Chief of Family Medicine at LH and a physician at LH Port Perry. “I can hardly think of a day that goes by when doctors aren’t on the phone with our colleagues at other LH sites and hospitals across the province discussing a patient’s care. This technology now allows doctors to actually see and talk to the patient – even if we aren’t in the same room. It’s very reassuring for our patients and physicians,” he added.
The equipment was provided free of charge by the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), one of the most sophisticated telemedicine providers in the world. The OTN is comprised of over 2,000 healthcare providers available for clinical consults. Over 36,000 clinical patient visits took place via OTN last year. In addition to clinical consultations, the OTN also facilitates continuing educational opportunities for healthcare professionals including distance education and web casting.
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For more information:
Leigh Winn-Kruck, Communications
(905) 576-8711 ext 4317 or lwinnkruck@lakeridgehealth.on.ca
Backgrounder
Benefits
- Facilitates access to specialist and sub-specialist consultations with LH Oshawa’s 24/7 on call roster, and specialists across the province
- Patients receive care close to home – reducing travel, transfers, wait times, expenses and discomfort.
- Improved timelines of diagnosis and treatment
- Enhanced access to a broad range of clinical programs and education
- Better health outcomes
Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN)
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- More than 80 different clinical programs are in place supporting a full range of consultation services
- Examples of clinical areas where telemedicine services are frequently used at Lakeridge Health:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Speech Pathology
- Stroke
