Welsh Government Goes Virtual: Video Consults Roll Out To Fight COVID‑19
The Wales government has announced a fresh strategy to keep patients safe and GP surgeries from becoming a COVID‑19 queue monsoon: video consultations will be available nationwide. The move comes as the country’s case count ticks upwards, and seniors are worried about taking a trip to the doctor with the virus swirling around.
What’s the Deal?
The trials kicked off at the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in Gwent, and the new system boasts a neat feature: no digital footprint. Appointments are deleted automatically once they’re finished, so no pesky data trail remains.
Why It Matters
- Less pressure on GP offices – Patients can get advice from the comfort of home.
- Helps the NHS stay afloat – With demand up, the NHS can meet the new strain without squandering resources.
- Perfect for those who are self‑isolating; you’ll get the care you need, no need to step outside if you’re feeling under the weather.
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said on Thursday that Wales is “at the forefront of using this digital technology”. There’s a big win for both doctors and patients – fewer in‑person visits mean fewer chances to catch the virus, and fewer patients jamming into the clinic means smoother service.
COVID‑19 Snapshot in Wales
As of Wednesday the COVID‑19 case count in Wales is 19 confirmed cases, and 634 people had been tested last Friday. That’s a lot of testing, but the spread is still low.
A Glimpse from Italy
Meanwhile, Professor Mohamed Abu Hilal — now in quarantine in Brescia, northern Italy — has urged the UK to prepare for a hurricane of beds, ventilators, antivirals, doctors, and nurses. He points out that even the young are coming down hard, not just the elderly. Community leaders across Europe have been shouting at the same chorus: if we’re not ready, the NHS might have to “shut down everything.”
In a Nutshell
With video consultations rolling out this week, PwC digital, everything’s better than a call from your local GP that’s already jammed. Keep it friendly, keep it safe, and let the NHS take a breath with a modern solution that says “no digital footprint” and an extra dash of humour to lighten the day.
