WORK has started on a pioneering video link up between Warrington and Halton Hospitals.

The telemedicine link will beam high resolution digital images of X-rays from the the minor injuries unit in Runcorn to consultants at Warrington.

It is expected to cut down on unnecessary referrals, saving patients a journey and waiting time.

Paul Sherry, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, said: "By making medical images available to consultants who are not in the same place as the patient, it will speed up the diagnosis and treatment process, enabling us to enhance patient care."

The system works by using a camera and a sophisticated document reader which scans in X-rays at Halton and displays them on a computer monitor at Warrington's accident and emergency department. But hospital chiefs have reassured patients that confidentiality will be maintained.

Dr Gerry Murphy, medical director at Halton Hospital, said: "We greatly welcome the installation of this telemedicine link. It will prevent unnecessary journeys for patients and build a stronger clinical partnership between the two Trusts. This in turn will ensure that the appropriate level of expertise continues to be provided at all times."

The telemedicine link is set to be up and running in time for the Millennium celebrations period.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.