Virgin Media signs fibre broadband deal with north-west hospitals

Eight hospitals in Cumbria and Lancashire are set to utilise the power of Virgin Media's fibre optic broadband network to save lives by using remote stroke diagnosis.

As a result of the deal, which is expected to save the NHS more than £8 million per year, 15 specialist doctors will use video conferencing to assess patients directly from their homes outside of normal working hours.

Conferences will run via a secure router in the consultant's house.

Speedy access will increase the chances of an early diagnosis being made and ensure that stroke sufferers are given the necessary medication as soon as possible.

Mark Heraghty, managing director at Virgin Media Business, said technology is at the heart of modern healthcare delivery.

"We have created this service specifically to help Lancashire and Cumbria meet one of its most significant medical challenges head on," he added.

Virgin Media's business and public sector arm has also recently agreed a deal with East London NHS Foundation Trust to connect 50 sites to its fibre optic broadband network.