Machine that is changing patients' lives

2:20pm Thursday 24th July 2008

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A HI-TECH health monitoring system used to check patients’ lung disease conditions may be expanded to monitor diabetes and heart conditions.

Telehealth, which is making a big difference to lives in Swindon, allows patients to monitor their own condition at home.

Health experts from across the UK and Europe travelled to Swindon on Monday to learn how Telehealth is being implemented in the town.

The system means Swindon is now at the forefront of dealing with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The largest cause of non-elective admissions to hospitals in the town is COPD with 303 sufferers in the area, the conference at the Marriott Hotel in Pipers Way heard.

Telehealth allows patients to monitor their own blood pressure, blood/oxygen saturation levels, weight and heart rate.

The data is then sent to the Clover Centre and a senior nurse assesses the findings – a nurse may be sent out to assess if a hospital visit is necessary.

The system avoids unnecessary hospital visits and decreases ‘panic admissions.’ When admitted to hospital patients may have to stay for up a week, costing £2,500 a day.

The Telehealth scheme is considerably cheaper at £2,000 for set up costs.

Jan Trethaway, the original project manager and now assistant deputy director of commissioning at Swindon PCT said: “Telehealth is all about improving patients’ way of life.

“The team is really motivated but the people that have truly helped the most are the patients.

“Their acceptance to try out this scheme has resulted in their knowledge of their condition increasing which makes the job easier.

“Twenty patients have used Telehealth and you can immediately notice a difference in them.

“We’re proud to put Swindon on the map.”

Swindon PCT is planning to increase the number of Telehealth boxes in use to 50. Several people who have used Telehealth have been able to go on holiday, which was impossible before because of fear of breathing difficulties.

Professor Ram Dhillon, Consultant Surgeon at Northwick Park Hospital, said: “Congratulations to Swindon for getting up and getting something done.”