Technology is helping kidney dialysis patients throughout Scotland to get more involved in their care.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon found out more about the Renal PatientView system during a visit to the renal unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
The secure website allows patients to log on and access blood test results and other information, helping them become equal partners in their own care.
Since Renal PatientView was introduced in Glasgow and Edinburgh in 2005, it has proved popular with patients and has now been rolled out to the renal units in Dundee, Monklands, Kilmarnock and Dumfries. The Scottish Government has invested £26,000 in the development of the system.
Mr Sturgeon said:
"Where patients are involved in the treatment and management of their disease, the outcome is often better for all concerned.
"This is particularly important for renal unit patients as their condition will require monitoring and treatment for the rest of their lives.
"Renal PatientView is an example of how modern technology can help get patients more involved and the positive reaction from patients clearly demonstrates that this has been a welcome move."
The Renal PatientView initiative has been developed with financial support from the Scottish Government - £26,000 between 2006/06 and 2008/09.
During her visit to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Ms Sturgeon also visited three of renal wards and the Scottish Renal Registry which is a national registry of patients in Scotland who have renal failure and other kidney disorders. By collecting and analysing data, the registry acts as a source of comparative data for benchmarking, planning clinical governance and research.