Embsay patient gets treatment down the phone line from Airedale Hospital (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Embsay patient gets treatment down the phone line from Airedale Hospital

11:00am Monday 7th January 2013 in News

State-of-the-art technology at Airedale Hospital which allows patients to receive treatment without having to visit hospital is being used to help a woman with Parkinson’s disease.

Ruth Pickles is taking part in a pilot programme, in which a special form of speech and language therapy is delivered to own home via video link.

Most people with Parkinson’s disease have problems with speech. This includes speaking in a very soft voice, even when the patient is making the same amount of effort to speak.

Ruth, 60, who lives at Embsay, can hear and see her speech and language therapist, Debra Borsley, on a screen.

Debra said: “Initially I was sceptical as I couldn’t imagine how it would work so well remotely. It’s been such an uplifting experience for both of us as we can see progress so quickly.

“Ruth is doing so well, better than I could ever have imagined. She has become more animated and is gaining confidence.”

Telemedicine is now being used by 18 nursing homes across the Bradford district. Manorlands hospice, at Oxenhope, and six GP surgeries are also linked up.