Nurses have been given new technology to give them more time to care for patients.

More than 240 district nurses in Harrow, Brent and Ealing have been given tablet computers to help support their work.

London North West Healthcare NHS Trust hopes the roll out of new technology will save on paperwork and free up more time for care.

District nurse Fiona Murray said: "This is a wonderful new way of working. Before I arrive at a patient’s house I have been able to read the patient's notes and have all their details to hand, including how to contact their GP.

“In the past I just had a patient name and details of the care that I needed to provide.

“To be so informed before you meet a patient really improves the care that district nurses can provide.”

The technology will also allow other professionals, like GPs, to access information about patients in real time and assess if they need to be referred for further treatment.

The trust'[s director of community services Yvonne Leese said: “This new technology will deliver real benefits for our patients in the community.”

“It will support integrated care as nurses will have access to the full patient record at each visit.

“This will also support more flexible working patterns and increase the amount of time nurses spend with patients providing care.”

The project was paid for by a £450,000 grant from the Nurses Technology Fund.