NHS Wants You To Skype Gran in Hospital, is Google + Next for the Infirm?
AN NHS hospital in Maidenhead has suggested that visitors Skype their relatives in the wards instead of coming in to visit them everyday.
The hospital authority in Berkshire are presenting the move as a way to make things easier for relatives – saving them from dragging into the big city all the time. But I just hope they get the wifi right, because Skype’s a goddamn nightmare on a bad connection.
It comes after three small mental health hospitals in Ascot, Slough and Maidenhead were shut and the patients sent to a bigger hospital in Reading. The NHS promised to pay families the extra travelling expenses they’ll face, but because they’re looking to cut down on costs, they have suggested that people connect with their loved ones on the Internet instead of trolling in.
But why stop there, Berkshire Primary Care Trust? The best option is for the whole hospital to get on Google +. Then Uncle Eddie can just go on the video chat Hangout feature. Or should we maybe just poke the infirm on Facebook?
[via The Telegraph]
Posted: 22nd, July 2011 | In: Technology Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
