There will be greater access to thoracic surgeons for Kamloops area residents in the Interior Health Authority, thanks to the increasing the use of virtual care.
Dr. Michael Humer, the head of the IH Thoracic Surgery Group says, under the program a patient can consult with a specialist in Kamloops without having to travel long distances.
Dr. Humer says, there is a chance to expand the program.
“Certainly the opportunity for Williams Lake to receive care from Kamloops. We know that IH is expanding those services into neurology, specifically stroke services, oncology or cancer services is expanding, and also cardiology services. 40 to 45 per cent of our practices are seen this way.”
Between 2003 and 2015, the thoracic surgery group has conducted 15,073 telemedicine appointments from 63 different geographic regions.
This service saved patients from travelling 11.5 million kilometres.