A CAMERA system is to be rolled out across the Greater Western Area Health Service so general practitioners treating critically ill patients in small rural hospitals can link with specialist clinicians at Orange, Dubbo and Bathurst base hospitals.

A trial launched at Orange Base Hospital yesterday is believed to be a world first in turning security camera technology into a valuable tool for general practitioners who need lifesaving advice from specialists at base hospitals.

GWAHS intensivist specialist Dr John Lambert, based at Orange Base Hospital, said the camera system was expected to be rolled out in the next few months with up to 60 cameras placed in small hospitals.

“It is difficult attracting general practitioners to smaller hospitals because they sometimes fear coming across a situation they do not feel confident to handle,” he said.

“These cameras will provide invaluable support and can be trained on the patient for a direct link to the GWAHS computer system.”

Dr Lambert said the new system had the potential to save many lives.

He said the network was to be funded from the setting up of the Clever Net program established with funds from the sell-off of Telstra and designed to improve technology services for rural Australia.

Also launched yesterday in Orange was the much anticipated Critical Care Advisory Service.

Two years in the planning, the service involves any clinician in a hospital in the Greater Western Area Health Service calling a specially set up 1800 number which immediately links the caller to specialist advice. The system also has the benefits of including up to 20 clinicians in the conference call to manage a patient.

Both programs are set to put in place a unique support system for rural general practitioners treating critically ill patients in small hospitals.