NHS North Yorkshire and York announced its plans to purchase an additional 2 000 telehealth systems to support patients living with long-term health conditions in the area, making it the largest scale Telehealth programme in the United Kingdom.

The technology involves a telehealth system which is being installed in the patient's home, taking readings of their vital signs - such as temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose and oxygen levels - depending on their condition. These readings are then sent down a telephone line into a patient record where a central monitoring centre will review the details on a 24/7 basis. In case any abnormalities are detected, a clinician is alerted to contact the patient.

The main purpose of Telehealth is to identify and act on any deterioration in a patient's condition before it gets to the point they require admission to hospital. It can also be used to help facilitate patients being discharged home early from an acute setting.

The Director of Strategy for NHS North Yorkshire and York, Mr. David Cockayne said: "We are delighted to announce this significant investment in Telehealth which we, and local clinicians, believe will continue to make a huge difference for patients living with a long term health condition." He added, "As outlined in our recently published five-year strategy, we are committed to providing care closer to home and improving the quality of life for patients living with a long term health condition. We recognise Telehealth as being a key enabler to us achieving our aspirations."

Telehealth is targeted at patients who live with long-term health conditions including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chronic Heart Failure and Diabetes. In 2008-2009, more than 6 000 patients in North Yorkshire and York were admitted to hospital with respiratory or cardiac problems.

The announcement of the additional 2 000 Telehealth systems follows an eight month trial of the Telehealth technology which has demonstrated the huge benefits it can bring for both patients and clinicians alike.

Rosie Walker Smith, a Case Manager working in the Hambleton and Richmondshire area of North Yorkshire, has experienced the benefits of Telehealth at first hand. She stated in this regard, "Feedback from patients already using Telehealth has been overwhelmingly positive. Not only does it reduce the risk of their condition deteriorating to the point they need hospital treatment, but also gives them the peace of mind that their condition is being monitored." She added: "It's great that more patients will get to benefit from this technology."

Further information:

• Original news article - eHealthNews.eu Portal
• Related news article - NHS North Yorkshire and York