Mayo island's e-health project is expanding

AN e-health project on Clare Island is set to expand.

The pilot programme led by University of Galway on the island is leading the way in improving health care in rural areas.

Islanders have been enjoying the benefits of virtual consultations from specially commissioned e-health pods on the island.

Danny O'Toole, broadband officer with Mayo County Council, told members of a council strategic policy committee how the pilot has been very successful to date.

For example, people with heart conditions or diabetes can now have their health monitored remotely, with improved patient care.

The service will now be expanded into islanders own homes with the roll-out of the Clare Island 5G network project, he explained. This will facilitate the option to put remote monitoring equipment into homes so they can enjoy consultations from the comfort of their own houses.

Work is taking place to get the necessary infrastructure up and running.