Medical conferencing systems enable GP surgeries, community diagnostic clinics or any other NHS facility to gain ‘virtual' access to supporting A&E departments, allowing the establishment of local A&E triage and minor injuries clinic services. Among the benefits is the reduced need for out-patient appointments and where hospital admission is required the elimination of unnecessary transfer of patients to tertiary diagnostic centres.

Patients can undergo diagnostic testing locally and the resulting data sent via the computer network for expert medical assessment. Diagnostic information such as X-ray film scanners, CR systems, digital cameras and other monitoring systems can be viewed by remote consultants. The consultant can then provide on-line advice on treatment, avoiding the need to travel.

The system also allows multiple clinics to be connected to one or more supporting A&E departments ensuring both continuity and quality of service delivery.