A PIONEERING programme using video technology to help frail and elderly people in rural communities in south Gwynedd has been highly commended at a national award ceremony.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s CARTREF project, which uses video technology to connect rural GP surgeries to consultants at Ysbyty Gwynedd, was shortlisted at the 2016 HSJ Value in Healthcare Awards.

The project uses telemedicine, the use of remote devices to link clinicians and patients, to allow patients at Ysbyty Alltwen near Porthmadog, Dolgellau Hospital, and Ysbyty Bryn Beryl near Pwllheli, to consult with doctors in Bangor.

The scheme allows patients to access specialist guidance as close to home as possible, reducing travel and waiting times in the process.

Since launching in September 2013, patients using the service have saved an average travel distance of more than 60 miles through the use of the audio-visual appointments.

Dr Chris Subbe, a consultant BCUHB and clinical senior lecturer in medical sciences at Bangor University, said: “It’s been a really exciting project, and a great way to link patients living in rural communities with consultants."

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online now