Roscommon Hospital in association with Galway University Hospitals wins 2013 Healthcare Award for the Rheumatology Telemedicine Service

The Rheumatology Telemedicine Service at Roscommon Hospital in association with Galway University Hospitals won the “Best use of Health Technology” award at the Irish Medical Times 2013 Healthcare Awards.
 
The Rheumatology Telemedicine Service started in October 2011 and involves a computer link-up between patients in Roscommon Hospital and Dr Robert Coughlan and Dr John Carey, Consultant Rheumatologists in Merlin Park University Hospital, Galway who are able to discuss and review patients’ conditions with them and they no longer need to travel to Galway for their outpatient appointments.
 
Feedback from patients using the Rheumatology Telemedicine Service has been very positive with one patient commenting that the experience was similar to “skyping” her family, which she is familiar with, so therefore felt very comfortable about the whole experience.
 
Elaine Prendergast, General Manager, Roscommon County Hospital, said; “I am delighted for the staff involved in this project and for the patients that this initiative has been recognised at the IMT Healthcare Awards. The service makes it easier and quicker for patients from Roscommon to have access to Rheumatology outpatient services and it is an example where we have embraced change for the benefit of the hospital and all our patients”.
 
Photo Details:
Pictured at the Irish Healthcare Awards in Dublin on 07 November, were winners of the “Best Use of Information Technology” (l-r), Dr John Carey, Consultant Rheumatologist, Galway University Hospitals; Marie Doorly, Patient Services Manager, Roscommon Hospital; Pauline Conroy, IT Department, Roscommon Hospital; and Dr Robert Coughlan, Consultant Rheumatologist, Galway University Hospitals. The award was presented to the two hospitals for the Rheumatology Telemedicine Service which involves a computer link-up between patients in Roscommon Hospital and Dr Robert Coughlan and Dr John Carey, Consultant Rheumatologists in Galway