THE number of online video consultations between patients and NHS Forth Valley professionals has soared during the coronavirus pandemic.

Thousands of people have received expert information and advice during lockdown using the local health board's Near Me service.

Video consultations are being used for a diverse range of services including mental health, maternity, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy as well as respiratory services.

Lynne Rowley, team lead for orthotics at the health board, said: "We've been amazed at how many people are happy to use this technology including a lot of older patients who have really embraced this way of communicating.

"I suspect many of them are in social isolation because of lockdown and family members have been advising mum and dad on how to use smartphones, laptops and tablets which has also helped."

Local GPs are also taking advantage to provide advice to patients in their own homes.

There were already plans to implement the system this year, but the coronavirus outbreak has catalysed the process.

Visit nearme.scot for more information about the service.