DORSET patients forced to stay at home by the coronavirus pandemic can be treated online through a new video consultation system.

Dorset HealthCare is the south west's leading user of the 'Attend Anywhere' service, which provides care, support and advice to patients unable to attend a hospital or GP appointment due to lockdown restrictions.

Since the end of March, the trust has provided more than 6,300 online consultations for services including mental health, learning disabilities, pain management, minor injuries, physiotherapy and sexual health.

Dr Steve Tomkins, the trust’s medical director, said: "To help limit the spread of the virus, we’ve had to limit access to our hospitals and clinics, as well as reduce home visits and community-based appointments.

"Because of that, Attend Anywhere has been vital in providing people with the support they need online. We were already using the system, but have now rolled it out across more services. Before the Government restrictions came into place, we were taking 30-40 calls day; now it can sometimes reach 200 or more, which shows the level of demand."

The online service allows patients to see a clinician via a secure, pre-arranged video call. Patients enter an online waiting area at the agreed upon time via a web link on their computer, smartphone or tablet. The clinician is notified of their arrival and can join the consultation when ready.

Sofia Tavares, from Poole, received support from the trust’s Steps2Wellbeing service through Attend Anywhere. She said: "I have video calls with family every day, so I found it really easy to use. It was also very convenient – I didn’t have to travel anywhere or be in situations that might make me anxious. I could speak to someone in my own home, in my comfort zone.

"Having an online consultation also meant I could see someone more quickly, which was important to me at the time, and it provided me with lots of practical advice and tools. It was very useful."

The online service can be used anywhere with a good internet connection and no user account needs to be set up. All that is needed is a Chrome or Safari web browse and a web camera on the device being used.

For more information on the system and which services it offers, visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/attend-anywhere.

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