NHS national medical director Sir Bruce Keogh has paid a 'virtual visit' to Airedale Hospital.
He experienced first-hand the Steeton hospital's pioneering telemedicine service by dialling-in from a care home in Nottingham.
Sir Bruce was able to use the system as any resident would, speaking to and seeing on-screen a qualified nurse.
The telemedicine service supports staff around-the-clock in more than 530 care homes across the country.
A digital care hub at Airedale has work stations for 15 nurses.
Hub manager Marie Buchan said: "Our service provides life-enhancing care that enables people to remain in their own environment while receiving treatment.
"We find that staff in care homes gain confidence knowing that expert help is only a phone call away, and our support means that fewer people are admitted to hospital unnecessarily."
Sir Bruce said: "With rising demand and escalating costs, the use of digital technology is not an option but a necessity if we are to build a sustainable NHS.
"Innovations such as telemedicine have the potential to deliver better value for the NHS budget whilst keeping patient interactions safe and personal."
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