Home health computer project aims to cut hospital admissions

The machines, which are the size of a paperback book, allow elderly people with long-term conditions to check their vital signs at home, meaning they have to visit their GP less.

Software on the computer also allows medical staff to monitor the condition of their patients from the surgery, pick up any major deterioration quickly and call for help.

One of the first patients to test the scheme is 82-year-old Vera Maddison, who suffers from serious chest problems and needs a permanent supply of oxygen from portable cylinders.

Every day she listens to a voice on the computer which prompts her to carry out a series of self checks of her blood pressure, temperature and oxygen saturation level.

Mrs Maddison, who lives in Cantley, Doncaster, said: "It's so easy and a man with a lovely sounding voice talks me through the whole process and tells me exactly what to do.

"He asks me questions like, 'Is my breathing any worse today than normal?' and I then press the Yes or No button depending on my answer. It's reassuring to know that the NHS is keeping an eye on me to prevent anything going wrong."

After carrying out the checks she simply touches a button and the

results are sent to NHS premises. The daily reports logged by Mrs Maddison and other patients are then checked by health workers.

NHS Doncaster, which is installing the system, said it provides an early warning of potential changes in a patient's condition so action could be taken to avoid emergency hospital admission.

Community matron Mags Dowie said: "The self-checks are quick and simple to do and help patients to take greater control over managing their own health.

"Working with the equipment manufacturer, we have been able to tailor the units to suit patients with different conditions, including breathing problems, heart failure and diabetes.

"The equipment is enabling us to see from a distance when health problems are starting to escalate so we can help patients like Mrs Maddison manage how to deal with it.

"This includes, for example, advising her when to take antibiotics. We also liaise with the patient's family doctor when we need additional advice.

"A key factor is that the equipment is helping us to key a watchful eye over everyone but freeing up more time to concentrate on those patients who need extra help. It doesn't take away the personal contact but means we can target our resources when and where they are most needed."

Over the next three years, around 180 of the units, which cost 1,500 each, will be installed in the homes of some the borough's most vulnerable patients.

Local GP Dr Kevin Lee, who is advising NHS Doncaster on long- term conditions, said: "Our aim is that people should be 'living with' rather than 'suffering from' their condition or conditions.

"New telehealth technology like this will help our frontline staff to care for patients better, but of equal importance is that it will improve the quality of life of patients and help them become more independent.

"Life expectancy is set to increase in Doncaster over the next 10 years and we expect to see the number of people aged 65 and over increasing from nearly 50,000 to around 62,000.

"We expect a corresponding increase in the number of people with long-term conditions. We have a strategy for managing this which includes keeping people healthy to prevent ill health and providing support to those who need it."