The new system of ‘virtual clinics’ was reportedly created as a cost cutting measure, since one-third of medical visits do not necessarily require an in-person appointment with a doctor.
The system was imported from India, and is being pushed through by UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
Read more: UK hospitals going digital to fill NHS budget shortfall - report
Health Minister Dan Poulter said last week that moving services online would save the NHS £3bn and improve care for less mobile patients.
He added that the plans would “make life easier for patients” and support “people with long-term health conditions like diabetes, dementia and heart disease to be better looked after and supported in their own homes and communities.”
Read more: GB: Plans to move some NHS services online criticised by charities
The system will cover providers of acute, community, primary, social and end-of life care as well as the region’s ambulance trust.
The South Devon partnership is one of six collaborations, involving 21 Southern acute trusts, formed to invest in a variety of new IT systems after receiving no funding from the National Programme for IT in the NHS.
GB:South East England:University of Southampton gets government funding for biometrics,cybersecurity
The University of Southampton is one of only eight universities to have been named a “Centre of Academic Excellence” by the government’s cybersecurity scheme. As a part of its status, the University has secured an approximately USD$80,000 government grant to focus on cybersecurity, the BBC reported.
The contract will begin 1 December and will see BT provide contact centre capability to provide services such as direct debit set up for paying rates, managing information on grant eligibility and application status, and providing advice on a number of government initiatives and campaigns.
Read more: GB: Northern Ireland government awards stg£20m e-government contract to BT