PATIENTS can get diagnosed quicker through a smart new system aimed to ease pressure of the NHS - but it won't be free.

Residents who visit Priestwood Pharmacy in Bracknell for their prescriptions and non-urgent queries can now be examined by a doctor through a two-way video link.

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The 'innovative' new service which costs £49 from Medicspot, a startup business set up by an NHS doctor to support overstretched services, launched in Bracknell for the first time last week (February 6).

Through the video link, doctors can perform a full clinical examination of patients with a connected stethoscope, close examination camera, thermometer, pulse oximeter and blood pressure device.

Dr Zubair Ahmed said the service has proved invaluable where NHS patients are left waiting hours or weeks for a GP appointment.

The founder of Medicspot said: "“We’re not aiming to replace NHS GP surgeries but as doctors, we are all concerned about waiting times and the problems this can inevitably cause.

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Doctors have said the new technology wont take away from the more traditional style consultation.

Jeet Singh, owner of Priestwood Pharmacy, added: "Increasingly, pharmacists and GP's are working together to provide a health service that’s second to none.

"It makes absolute sense to work as a team, ensuring that patients will benefit from our joint medical expertise, benefitting from peace of mind or relief from discomfort, often much faster than has previously been possible.”

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A consultation will cost £49 with the video system, plus the cost of any medication.

Dr Wasif Razzaq who will be using the technology to see patients in Bracknell, said: “The ability to take vital signs and examine patients is a massive step forward in how clinically supported I feel when managing patients remotely.”

Priestwood Pharmacy is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.