Nurses back proposals for digitisation

PLANS to further digitise hospitals across the Lothians have been welcomed by the Scottish Government and nurses.

The continued roll-out of eHealth is intended to make staff’s jobs easier and improve the service for patients.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said by 2014 traditional paper files would be replaced by scanning, voice recognition and video conferencing, saving millions of pounds and employee hours.

She added: “Citizens are at the heart of this new strategy and I want to see the latest eHealth technology used right across the frontline services so they can see the full benefit.

“The NHS doesn’t stand still and the way that services are delivered is constantly adapting - helping to improve quality for patients and efficiency.”

The proposals have been backed by the Royal College of Nursing in the Capital.