The Editor, Sir:

The public hospital system was given a recent boost with the installation of new radiology equipment. It was also reported that the Government has assisted private radiology centres and hospitals in acquiring equipment by waiving or reducing duties.

Having the ability to perform the procedure has been addressed in certain hospitals; however, what good is an image if there are not enough people to interpret/read it in a timely manner?

Using existing technology, the images can be sent to the radiologist's office via the Internet anywhere, anytime. The patients will be imaged in the hospital at an affordable rate, and the images are read in a timely manner, while the radiologist remains in his office. This could be one way in which the radiologists repay the Government for the waiver they received.

The technology mentioned is cheaper than using film as they do at present. This could actually be expanded throughout the country maximising the small number of radiologists. It would lead to better consultation by allowing multiple experts to view the images all at once.

I am, etc.,

R.A. FARQUHARSON

rfarquharson@

lawrencehealth.org

Bronxville, New York

Via Go-Jamaica