Children with developmental conditions, and other patients in Galway, will be able to remotely attend vital consultations with healthcare professionals, following a decision to roll out new specialised software.
Physio, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and other key health workers have been unable to hold consultations with vulnerable clients since the introduction of Covid-19 restrictions. However, the HSE has announced it will roll out the specialised software needed to facilitate contact across the western region.
The move has been welcomed by Fine Gael Galway West TD, Hildegarde Naughton, who said the interruption to therapies and assessments, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, could have "adverse long-term effects on health and wellbeing".
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In her meetings with the HSE on this issue, Dep Naughton requested that community health specialists in Galway be provided with access to 'Attend Anywhere', a dedicated software application that allows healthcare professionals conduct consultations online, assess patients visually, and enables them to send exercise sheets or videos during consultations.
“The pandemic has completely altered our lives but one thing that has to remain unchanged during uncertain times is our determination to protect and care for our most vulnerable," she said. "This is one small step towards that goal."
