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Feeling under the weather? As of next month, there's an app for that.
From 17th November five Jersey GP surgeries will let you download a new app allowing you to remotely visit them via your phone, do a video call or even text them questions.
The surgeries have signed up to the new Babylon smartphone scheme launching in the Island next month – a system that stores patient records and past appointments on video.
The app is free to download and the cost of a video-consultation with your doctor will be set by your surgery.
Digital Jersey has been working with the UK mobile health company, the Social Security department and local GP’s to bring the new technology to the Island. It will be the first jurisdiction to pioneer its use on such a large scale.
Head of Digital Jersey Paul Masterton said: “Bringing the groundbreaking capabilities of Babylon to the Island has the potential to revolutionise our current system and represents a big step in the right direction for a more efficient, modern health care system.
“Jersey offers the perfect “testbed” opportunity for global businesses to test, develop and refine products and services before rolling them out more widely.”
Founder and CEO of Babylon Health Ali Parsa said: “Jersey has the ambition and the potential to be among the most advanced populations in the world. Our mission is to combine the latest gains in technology with modern medicine to make healthcare simpler, better and smarter value for people everywhere.
“Through this partnership, Jersey will be a beacon that can show the world how the future of healthcare is shaping for the benefit of all.”
Island Medical Centre, Castle Quay Surgery, Health Plus, Cleveland Clinic and Lister surgery have all signed up to the scheme.
If the roll-out proves to be a success patients could soon be able to pick up ePrescriptions from their local pharmacy and monitor aspects of their personal health from their SmartPhone.
You can download the free Babylon app on your iPhone by going to the Apple App Store and searching “babylon”. You’ll be asked for to register your name, email address and date of birth before the Babylon team will activate your account.
If you have an Android phone you can find the app by searching the Google Play Store.
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