A MAN has been appointed to a unique post overseeing a pioneering telemedicine service.

Phil Parkinson is the new managing director of Immedicare, a partnership between Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and technical expert Involve which provides support and care 24/7 via a secure video link.

He is the first employee to be solely recruited by Immedicare and will provide a vital link between the two organisations.

Through the telemedicine initiative, residents can access help whenever they need it from nurses and consultants. based in a Telehealth Hub at Airedale Hospital.

The scheme enables people, who would otherwise have to attend hospital, to be treated and monitored remotely.

Mr Parkinson said: “Immedicare is an exciting, groundbreaking venture and I strongly believe that our innovative telemedicine service delivers high-quality patient care by using the latest technologies and clinical skills.”

Telemedicine is provided by Immedicare to over 200 care homes throughout the country, with a further 100 in the pipeline.

It also supports patients with long-term conditions such as COPD, heart failure and complex diabetes in their own homes.