SKYPE assessments for patients who call 999 "are no replacement for appropriately-funded ambulance services", a campaigner has warned.

As reported in the Daily Echo, a trial is currently underway in Hampshire to see if face-to-face smartphone apps could allow medics to make more accurate decisions by viewing callers.

Other ambulance services will also take part in the trial, which only involves the assessment of those who aren't in a life-threatening condition. Representatives from the South Western Ambulance Service have failed to respond to calls for clarification on whether the scheme will be put in place in Dorset.

Martyn Webster, the manager of Healthwatch Dorset, said: "It will be interesting to see how this trial in Hampshire works. For some people, the idea of a video call could be helpful and potentially free up paramedics time to get to urgent calls quicker.

"But this system won't work for everyone and we would want to be assured that people without access to this type of technology are not losing out. "Trials to introduce new ways of assessing patients who call 999 are no replacement for appropriately funded ambulance services."

Bosses at the South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) said the move could help offset the difficulties posed by diagnosing a patient over the phone without being able to see them.

A spokesperson said: “This enables both the patient and the trained clinician within the clinical co-ordination centre - where 999 calls are received - to see each other.

“This gives the clinician more information when they are assessing the patient as they can see the patient and view the injury severity and symptoms."