The Midland Health Board this week used video-conferencing facilities for the first time to interview a job candidate who works at a hospital in Melbourne, Australia.
They conducted the interview from the board's education centre, and by all accounts both board and interviewee were pleased with the outcome.
For reasons of confidentiality, it is not yet known if the applicant was successful.
The use of video-conferencing technology means overseas candidates who would otherwise have to travel long distances can be assessed without having to undertake lengthy and costly travel.
All aspects of the interview process remain the same as a normal interview except the technology is different, according to Mr Larry Lane, the board's personnel officer.
He said it was the board's policy to make it as easy as possible for candidates to apply and compete for employment within the board, which is constantly seeking staff.
The board's spokeswoman, Ms Dympna Bracken, said the video technology would help cut the costs of finding staff abroad and also assist people living abroad to access Tullamore.
She said people interested in employment could also get details of job opportunities from the board's website: www.mhb.ie
Meanwhile, the findings of the National Patient Perception of the Quality of Health Survey Initiative, undertaken at three board hospitals last year, were positive.
The survey found that 95 per cent of people admitted to the General Hospital, Tullamore, the General Hospital, Portlaoise, and Longford Westmeath General Hospital were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of care.
Ninety-two per cent of persons admitted to Portlaoise, 83 per cent to Longford and 80 per cent to Tullamore through the Accident and Emergency Services said they had been seen by a doctor within one hour of arrival.
However, 84.5 per cent of Tullamore patients, 92 per cent of Mullingar patients and 95.1 per cent of Portlaoise patients had to wait between one and six hours before getting a bed.