May 5, 2010

UCSF hospitals are the first to partner with Skype to install equipment for using its video and voice-calling program for patients. The idea came about during the 2009 winter flu season when UCSF changed its visitors policy to prevent the spread of H1N1 and the seasonal flu.

“Skype allows our patients to feel connected to family and friends who they are unable to see in person,” said Lila Param, director of pediatric services at UCSF Children’s Hospital.

“Anyone who’s ever been hospitalized knows how important it is to communicate easily and frequently with friends and family during that time,” said Don Albert, general manager for Skype Americas.

Skype executives donated computers, webcams and technical support services and UCSF Medical Center vendor Motion Computing Inc. donated a specialized computer cart used as a mobile Skype terminal.