A HOSPITAL trust has unveiled a new system that allows patients to visit doctors via online appointments from their own homes.

‘Attend Anywhere’ has been launched by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in order to help patients keep in contact with medical professionals without breaking social distancing regulations during the lockdown period.

A total of 700 staff are able to conduct online consultations with plans underway to allow thousands of clinicians across the North West to support patients in this way.

Deputy medical director and chief clinical information officer Dr Ayesha Rahim said: “This is really good news for the people of Lancashire and South Cumbria who can rest assured that despite the lockdown it is business as usual at our Trust.

“We’ve really been working hard to find innovative solutions to ensure we’re able to safely care for our patients while adhering to the Government’s social distancing rules.

“Many people can now attend appointments either by telephone or via an online consultation software that is both secure and safe.”

The software helps people experiencing chronic pain, expecting mums and adults with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder keep in touch with their doctors.

Over the next few weeks, it will be expanded to include services that provide mental health support to children and young people as well as the Trust’s Mindsmatter therapy service.

As a bonus, the new software is also expected to reduce time spent by clinicians travelling to and from appointments, mileage claims and carbon emissions.

Dr Rahim said: “All they need to do is click a link on a tablet, smart phone, or laptop that has access to a camera or a webcam.

“The option is available to patients who are at most risk of COVID-19, such as people over 70, mums-to-be, anyone with a weakened immune system, and also to those people who are struggling the most with their mental health.

She added: “We’ve had great feedback so far from patients, carers and staff, including our older service users who have found the system quick and easy to use.”

The Trust has also reassured people who do not want to have a virtual appointment that face-to-face consultations are still available and that clinicians will also hold appointments in person where they feel they are needed.