Video calls are being used to help cut out unnecessary trips for patients in Cumbria.

Cumbria Health on Call, which provides out of hours healthcare, has launched a new project to allow GPs to consult with patients via video calls from their pharmacy.

The scheme is currently being trialled at Castlegate Pharmacy in Cockermouth, which already had access to the video equipment required.

The pharmacy can refer patients to senior GPs from CHoC on between 9am and 6.30pm on Saturday or Sunday.

Susan Blakemore, chief executive at CHoC said: “This is innovative and patient focused and it means that patients can be treated as near to their own homes as possible.

"CHoC is delighted to be leading on technology enabled care for patients during the out of hours’ period."

The project aims to prevent unnecessary trips to CHoC treatment centres or accident and emergency departments.

Prescriptions can also be issued electronically to the pharmacy.

Dr Neil Margerison, medical director for CHoC, added: "Using the technology a CHoC clinician can assess various health conditions that are seen in primary care.

"The service enables patients to be managed safely without them having to make unnecessary journeys."

CHoC is appealing for Cumbrian pharmacies to get in touch if they want to be part of the scheme.