The iPad has made its debut at a hospital in Israel where doctors have been given the technology to use on- and off-site.

Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center in Bnei Brak (MYMC) equipped its physicians with the latest iPad version 4.2, customized for use in Hebrew. The technology allows clinicians instant touch-screen access to patient records and medical information via secure password-protected Internet.

MYMC's IT team has programmed the Apple iPad to interact with the Microsoft Chameleon program used by the hospital.

"The picture quality on the iPad screen enables our doctors to check high-resolution X-ray and scan images, either on the wards or from outside the hospital, and to diagnose and prescribe treatment immediately at any time," said Yoram Liwer, CEO of Mayanei Hayeshua. "The iPad is recognized today as a leading medical tool, bringing many benefits to patients and hospital staff."

"A recent patient survey confirmed the importance of enabling doctors to check the status of patients and direct their treatment immediately, from within or outside the hospital – it was ranked 8.6 on a scale of 1 to 10 by the patients we interviewed, Liwer added "That is why we are using the latest devices and healthcare technology to help revolutionize patient care at our hospital, which is already known as one of the most progressive hospitals in Israel and internationally."

Nir Cohen, head of Mayanei Hayeshua's Orthopaedic Surgery Department, said using the iPad on his wards has shown clinical benefits as well.

 "As head of the department, even working late at night from home, I can now give direction to medical staff during operations using my iPad, and check that vital treatment records have been entered correctly into the hospital system. This can help to speed up surgical procedures, reducing the time spent under anesthetic, to the benefit of patients."

Founded in 1990, Mayanei HaYeshua Medical Center meaning '"sources of deliverance" provides general and specialist medical services according to Jewish law.