AREAS of Guernsey’s health service that already use telemedicine believe it is the best way forward. The facility, which can provide virtual ward rounds and teleconferencing with staff, is used locally in cardiology, radiology and psychiatry.

The Health and Social Services Department wants to extend its use to palliative care, but has been criticised by those in the sector for choosing it as a cheaper option ahead of employing a full-time specialist from the UK.

The issue will be debated in the States this week.

Cardiology’s telemedicine link was donated by the Friends of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital in December 2005.

A service spokesman said it had so far successfully enabled cardiology and other medical staff in Guernsey to link with fellow professionals in Jersey and Southampton.

‘Our experience to date has shown that when patients have been involved in a telemedicine link, they have seen it as a very positive experience, not obtrusive, and appear to understand the benefits.

‘It allows scans to be performed on-island and reviewed by the cardiologist in Southampton and can help to prevent unnecessary travel and alleviate some of the worry for patients and relatives, especially young cardiac patients.’

The spokesman added that the service sometimes involved consultant-to-consultant communication only, with images being sent and reviewed. In these instances, patients were not directly involved but benefited from not having to leave the island.

The radiology department operates a daily telemedicine link with Alderney and a weekly one with Southampton’s neurology unit.

A spokesman for it said patients benefited from instant access to reporting and consultant advice.

‘Our Southampton link has been operating for several years and is in the process of being extended to all areas within Southampton Hospital.

‘This will offer access to consultants who, at present, visit the island for outpatient clinics and will allow them to follow their patients’ progress outside the contracted visits. It will also provide Health and Social Services staff with instant access to appropriate consultants for second opinions.’

The psychiatric department has had a telepsychiatry link operating for one year and despite initial problems is ready to expand the service, which is used monthly.

‘Initially, staff and patients were a little nervous about using the link,’ said a spokesman.

‘Body language is very important and certainly initial trials with the Maudsley Hospital were not immediately successful as first their lines went down and then ours went down, resulting in a somewhat jerky picture. However, this has now been resolved.

‘We now have very good quality reception. Our experience is that once the initial nervousness is surmounted, service users and staff feel quite comfortable with the system.’

The department anticipates its use will increase.

‘There are many benefits to the use of this system. Undoubtedly there are cost savings with users having consultation in Guernsey, saving on airfares and the need for escorts. Travelling can be very stressful, especially to London hospitals, and there is the convenience factor of no delays because of cancelled flights.’