A project aimed at reducing emergency hospital admissions and improving the quality of life of people with chronic health conditions is to begin in Essex.

NHS North East Essex is to install machines in the homes of patients for nurses to remotely monitor statistics such as blood pressure and pulse rate.

The machine can also remind patients to take medication and eat healthily.

The equipment is being installed over the next six months, with 40 units in operation by September.

The one-year pilot will involve pulmonary disease patients, heart failure patients and others who have just been released from hospital and would benefit from regular checks.

Tracey Buckingham, of NHS North East Essex, said: Most patients would prefer to remain in their own home, and remote telehealth monitoring gives them reassurance that their condition is being managed during periods of uncertainty.

“In addition patients may find that using the machine increases their knowledge and motivates them to be more involved in self-management of their health.”

BBC NEWS

Thanks @stuartpin – Twitter