A NORTH-West hospital communication network is set to double in size to allow more efficient health care for patients.

TRUSTnet, a high-capacity medical network, allows the exchange of voice, data and multi-media traffic between NHS trusts and other health centres across the region.

And it means the hospitals can use the latest in communication technology including video conferencing and tele-medicine techniques.

Bury Healthcare Trust is one of eight new recruits to the TRUSTnet project, set up by Norweb Telecom and Manchester Acute Trusts.

The project allows hospitals, medical schools and universities in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside to exploit the full potential of modern digital communication.

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