The Telecare Policy Collaborative and the Department of Health are providing practical advice and guidance for local authorities on how to commission telecare services using the Preventative Technologies Grant. This announcement will signal the implementation of the £80 million grant that will be invested over a period of two years from April 2006.
Telecare Commissioning guidance issued
Provider of cardiac home monitoring services, Broomwell HealthWatch, believes this will be a major step in reducing unnecessary fatalities, enabling health professionals to spot early warning signs, from the comfort of the patient’s living room. The Preventative Technologies Grant will further boost the emergence of preventative medicine in the UK.
People with life threatening conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, can take measures that will significantly enhance their chance of treating any re-emergence of their complaint. Monitoring devices attached to the patient, regardless of location, can be analysed remotely by qualified cardiac doctors and nurses. Should the symptoms prove serious, appropriate instruction can be relayed immediately and help can be sent.
The adoption of this preventative approach enables the healthcare services to be more proactive in treating serious conditions. Local authorities, in conjunction with carers and health partners can work together to direct resources more effectively when crucial decisions have to be urgently made.