CHICAGO - November 18, 2009 - IOCOM, a leading software provider for enterprise-class video conferencing capabilities, today announced that the UK's National Health Service (NHS) is using IOCOM technology for its East of England telemedicine project. The program, which is expected to save more than 100 lives per year, gives stroke patients 24/7 access from any branch hospital to expert stroke physicians via IOCOM's video conferencing technology for quick diagnosis and treatment.
Prompt diagnosis is critical for saving lives of stroke patients who are candidates for thrombolysis treatments that produce amazing results and allow patients to be discharged within days. The project uses unique technology developed by IOCOM and NHS regional IT experts to link hospital accident and emergency departments with a specialist stroke consultant anywhere. The consultants use high-quality video and audio links to see and speak with patients as well as to read CT scans, allowing for quick diagnoses and thrombolysis when appropriate.
"We're constantly looking for ways to use technology to improve our ability to serve patients, and it's quite rewarding when a program has such a significant effect on their lives," said Phil Lowe, Information Management and Technology Project Manager for the East of England SHA Stroke Pilot Project. "IOCOM's superior video conferencing platform and expertise make them an ideal partner in this project, which has already saved two lives in the first few weeks. As we work with IOCOM to roll it out across our network of hospitals, the impact across the entire area will be remarkable."
The pilot uses IOCOM software with a computer on wheels, known as a "COW," which houses a fixed video camera and audio link. The consultants use specially-equipped laptops that automatically launch the IOCOM video conferencing technology as well as enable them to securely read CT images without having to directly access the hospitals' systems.
"Working with NHS East of England on this critical project that has such a tangible result of saving lives is truly an honor," said Michael Galich, CEO and co-founder of IOCOM. "We believe that our video conferencing and collaboration software is a game-changing technology, and there is no better example of its potential than what NHS is doing to offer stroke victims this wonderful service."
About NHS
The National Health Service (NHS) is the name commonly used to refer to the four publicly funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom, collectively or individually. The NHS accounts for over two million employees in the UK, and it is the largest employer in Europe. Since its launch 60 years ago, the NHS has grown to become the world's largest publicly funded health service. It is also one of the most efficient, most egalitarian and most comprehensive. For more information, visit http://www.nhs.uk.
About NHS East of England
NHS East of England is the local headquarters of the NHS and works with 40 local NHS organizations across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. NHS East of England is responsible for ensuring that the £8.1 billion spent on health care in the region delivers the best services and value-for-money for over 5.6 million people.
About IOCOM
IOCOM is a Chicago-based software provider that helps keep people connected through video, data and audio conferencing. Its solutions work with virtually any Internet-enabled device, including room systems, PCs, laptops and mobile devices. IOCOM's focus is on delivering the high performance necessary for smooth audio and video without the cost and complexity of bulkier, proprietary systems. Fortune 500 companies, government and education institutions, researchers, skilled workers, and general consumers currently rely on IOCOM's solutions. For more information, please visit http://www.iocom.com.