$2.5M telepathology network to connect doctors

A new province-wide network uses telecommunications technology to allow pathologists to consult their fellow doctorsfor a second opinion and research.

The Newfoundland and Labrador government announced the $2.5-million network, jointly funded by the provincial and federal governments, Friday.

"The Telepathology Network connects pathologists located in regional health authorities with their peers," said Gillian Sweeney, vicepresident of clinical information programs and quality for the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information.

"This approach will support pathologists in delivering optimal care to the people of our province by providing access to timely consultations, sub-specialty pathology support, educational opportunities and quality assurance," Sweeney said in a news release.

Pathologists are doctors who diagnose disease through analysis of patients' tissue and bodily fluids. Friday's release saidthe network will allow the review of "image-rich pathology data" for secondary consultations, education and research.

The provincial Centre for Health Information partnered with GE Healthcare to install the network.

$1.4 million from Ottawa

The federal government's portion of the funding, $1.4 million, comes through Canada Health Infoway, a not-for-profit organization that encourages digital health projects across the country.

"The Telepathology Network we are celebrating today demonstrates how innovation in digital health can help deliver better quality of care and access to care for improved health," said Canada Health Infoway president and CEO Michael Green in the press release.

"With this technology, patients from remote communities and cities alike will have access to the expertise of leading specialists."