The Gibraltar Health Authority has announced the recent implementation of a secure videoconferencing solution. The software will enable patients and GHA clinicians to engage in consultations with clinicians elsewhere, reducing the need for patients to travel abroad.

The new system also assists clinicians when discussing patient cases, by providing a platform for dialogue in a more effective, timely and efficient manner and this software will be available to registered GHA employees.

As well as being able to view each other over a video link, the technology enables clinicians at both ends to view and share images, such as X-rays, together with any other information that can be displayed on their own computer screen. This has the benefit of being able to share information rapidly, when necessary, in a safe and secure environment, as and when it is available. The particular system in which the GHA has invested is a ‘cloud based’ videoconferencing, online collaboration and meetings platform. The system is readily accessible from any location, at any time and has a very secure platform with an inbuilt privacy key element.

In addition, the software will also enable the GHA’s Human Resources Department to interview prospective candidates who are not based in Gibraltar. This is already being used by the HR department for this purpose and has helped streamline recruitment processes.

Mr Heath Watson, the GHA’s Director of Information Management and Technology, said: “We are always looking at ways that technology can improve the services the GHA provides to patients and clinicians. With the advances in videoconferencing technologies, together with much higher internet speeds than were available in the past, this videoconferencing solution was identified by the team as a very effective way to improve our service to our patients. The majority of work undertaken by IT teams is generally in the background and unseen, but this is a very visible example of how the work of a very dedicated and skilled IT team can bring tangible benefits to the delivery of patient care.”

Minister for Health, Care and Justice, the Honourable Neil F. Costa MP, added: “We are constantly reviewing how existing and emerging technologies can assist with the delivery of patient care. The ability to have consultations via video link has been implemented, principally, for the convenience of our patients and to entirely remove, whenever possible, the inconveniences and stresses of travel to the UK or Spain. I am very pleased that other Departments are also making use of this new technological solution across the GHA, providing savings in travel and accommodation, which we can reinvest into other areas. I must thank our great IT team for their excellent work in implementing this extremely beneficial technology.”