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Telecare on show in city
Friday September 05th 2008. Posted: 16:31
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Telecare can be used to enable people to continue living independently, says BT
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BT has hosted a forum to show staff from the City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian how hi-tech solutions can support patients with long-term care needs.
The company told delegates telecare could be used to improve care and also enable patients to continue to live alone safely. The forum heard about the successful pilot scheme run by Liverpool Direct Limited - BT’s joint venture with Liverpool City Council. The scheme involves the use of an advanced telecare system to monitor older people. It includes the automatic switching on of lights for visits to the bathroom during the night and intelligent sensors that detect whether cleaning or meal services have been provided to high-dependency clients. BT client director Ailsa Chandler said: “All councils are facing increasing pressures and - with a rising population of vulnerable, elderly and chronically-ill people - there is a need to look at new ways of enabling them to remain independent in their own home. “Already around 70 per cent of the total NHS budget goes towards the treatment of people with long-term conditions - and telecare is one way ahead. With this system, hundreds of patients can be safely supported by just one healthcare professional.” The workshop included a demonstration of how telecare can support chronically-ill patients by taking home recordings of health indicators such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Devices can be used to collect readings from patients, helping them understand how everyday activities such as exercise, drinking a glass of wine or attending a party can influence their wellbeing. “By understanding the impact of their lifestyle on their condition, it allows them to manage their condition more effectively and avoid unwanted emergency trips to the hospital,” said Ailsa. “Ultimately, this will help reduce pressure on social workers and NHS staff and help patients to stay independent.” City of Edinburgh Council director of health and social care Peter Gabbitas said: “It was a very interesting event and useful to see BT’s contribution to this market, which is growing considerably. “Edinburgh City Council is already making significant investment in telecare and NHS Lothian is also funding a telehealth project in Edinburgh. “The current investments are linked to the community alarm and housing support staff managed by colleagues in services for communities.” BT and the City of Edinburgh Council already have an existing 15-year strategic information communication technology partnership, which is delivering transformational projects to staff and citizens.
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Last updated:
11:56