Member Article

Innovative video solution proven to be transforming stroke care

The East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has calculated that it saves up to £150m annually, thanks to its continued use of innovative video technology provided by Intercity Technology.

Birmingham-headquartered IT specialist, Intercity Technology and telecommunications and service provider Virgin Media Business, has worked with the Trust since 2011 to implement the first fully managed ‘out of hours’ stroke service across Lancashire and Cumbria residents. The Telestroke Network, which uses diagnostic-quality video and high-quality audio technology, allows clinicians across the UK to carry out initial remote assessments for acute stroke patients.

This is increasing the speed at which patients are diagnosed, which is crucial for patients suffering from strokes. In these cases, there is a critical period of four hours from the onset of a stroke occurring to treatment being started in order to affect a positive outcome for the patient.

To date, the Telestroke service has assessed over 1,800 patients, treated 875 patients and saved an estimated £150million annually. From 1st July 2016 to 30th June 2017 alone, 216 assessments have been carried out, 132 patients have been treated and 459 advice calls have been taken.

Dr Nick Roberts, telestroke clinical lead and stroke consultant at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust commented: “We’re truly grateful for the life-saving work that Intercity Technology has helped us deliver over the past seven years.

“The numbers speak for themselves. As well as allowing us to deliver vital care to a greater number of patients, this technology has also helped us to save money, which we can reinvest to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of care.”

Ian Jackson, chief commercial officer at Intercity Technology, said: “With over 100,000 people affected by strokes in the UK each year, identifying new ways of assessing, diagnosing and treating patients is crucial.

“The Lancashire and Cumbria Stroke Network is the perfect example of a forward-thinking service. We’ve worked closely with the team to offer a service that is truly life-saving, and allows clinicians to focus on what’s most important – the people. The service has been in operation since 2011, this latest extension will see technologically and service improvements resulting in even greater patient care, we are extremely proud to continue to support the trust in such a way”

“These outstanding results show that, when embraced, technology can massively facilitate the provision of high-quality care.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Charlotte Montero .