NHS broadband network speeds patient diagnosis

NHS patients in Kent and Medway are benefiting from a broadband link with hospitals in London that enables doctors to send high-grade images such as X-rays and angiograms electronically, speeding up diagnosis and treatment.

The Kent and Medway Community of Interest Network (Coin), which launched this week, runs on the NHS' N3 broadband network - part of the £12.7bn NHS IT modernisation programme, the National Programme for IT (NPfIT).

Moving images of patients' hearts can now be sent electronically via Coin to London's Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Trust and King's College NHS Trust from 162 medical centres across Kent and Medway. Previously, heart patients would have to travel up to London to specialist treatment centres for diagnosis taking along a CD containing angiogram data.

Dr Jagdip Sidhu, a cardiologist based at Darent Valley Hospital, said the network enables clinicians to work in remote teams to "discuss cases, agree a consensus management plan and make appropriate referrals to specialist services".

He said in a statement: "This means faster treatment and the best possible care."

X-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans can also be transmitted over the network, meaning cancer, pathology and radiology experts in specialist centres in Canterbury and Maidstone can analyse patient data from anywhere in Kent.

The network is being delivered by BT, working with the Kent and Medway Health Informatics Service. It will eventually enable doctors in GP practices to view clinical information such as X-rays and medical notes without having to wait for them to arrive by post. In future, N3 could also be used to deliver telehealth, where patients monitor their own health at home without having to make a trip to hospital.

John Abbott, BT's N3 CEO, said in a statement: "Improvements in cardiac care are a great example of the type of innovative local solution that N3 is supporting. Consultants in many different and potentially life-saving specialties throughout Kent and Medway can now share and view information in 'real-time', with significant benefits for patients."