Telehealth coming to the Deh Cho
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Fort Simpson (Dec 22/00) - A dermatologist in Edmonton diagnosing a Deh Cho patient's rash via a television screen is set to become a reality next year.
Telehealth -- a few high-tech cameras, a television monitor and some related health-care tools -- is expected to be installed in the Fort Simpson health centre by late April, said Kevin Murphy, facility administrator for Deh Cho Health and Social Services.
The system, which Murphy says will not result in a reduction in medical staff, is designed to give patients greater access to specialists.
For example, as a local nurse uses a tool with a miniature camera to probe inside the ear, an ear, nose and throat specialist in Yellowknife or Edmonton can observe the Fort Simpson patient's ear drum on the monitor in his office.
The image is relayed to in real time and the specialist can use the visual information to make a diagnosis.
"I'm really excited about this ... it's just going to offer so much," Murphy said, citing such services as ultra-sounds, faster turn-around times on x-rays, and staff video conferences.
"I saw some of the stuff it does. It's fabulous."
The Government of the Northwest Territories is fully funding the service, he said. The cost of the hardware will be in the $55,000-$70,000 range, with nearly 50 per cent on top of that for installation, according to Ed Norwich, manager of information for the Department of Health and Social Services.
Murphy said sub-systems offering fewer options, each with a $15,000-$20,000 price tag, will be installed in Fort Liard and Wrigley. Ultimately, it's hoped each community in the North will be equipped with telehealth, he added.
Norwich emphasized the system is not being adopted because it's expected to save money.
"We never said we're going to guarantee savings," Norwich said, adding that some people expect to travel for service and relish the opportunity to go shopping elsewhere. He said that attitude will have to change if the system is to result in an overall savings. Some patients will also still be required to travel to a larger centre for a follow-up or treatment after an initial diagnosis, Norwich noted.
The primary benefit, he said, is the immediate access to specialists in Yellowknife and Edmonton.
On the other hand, those who prefer to remain in their communities will be granted that option more often, Murphy added.
Julian Landry, chair of the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Board, said the telehealth system doesn't measure up to having doctors in the communities but it's an improvement.
"I think it's great for the North," said Landry.
