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Medical staff at the Royal Derby Hospital are using Skype to keep in touch with kidney patients undergoing dialysis at home.

It's one of the first hospitals in England to use the internet video technology.

Christopher Swan, who works in the renal unit, said the service was far more useful for medics than carrying out phone consultations.

Of around 30 patients using home dialysis, half are using it to communicate with the team at the renal unit.

Brenda Griffin, 65, from Draycott, said it's given her back her quality of life.

She used to have dialysis at the hospital three times a week. At home, she has the treatment every day but it means she can schedule her day better.

Brenda said she was initially apprehensive but using Skype technology has given her confidence.

The hospital said it's pleased with how successful the technology has been, since it first started being used last year.

It's now hoping to extend Skype consultations to other departments.