The challenge of providing effective health services is hard enough without having to do that during a recession. Not only is there less money available for the service, but as welfare benefit cuts are implemented, the poorest will get even poorer.

We are thinking carefully about how we can support local health provision with our growing Careline service. We already support 31,000 people from Scotland down to Cornwall and know that there are a wide variety of ways of applying telecare and telehealth.

Back in March Health Minister, Paul Burstow, said that,

“The widespread adoption of telehealth and telecare as part of an integrated care plan will mean better quality of care and greater independence for people with long-term conditions.

“… it could save the NHS up to £1.2 billion over five years. This new approach is not about the technology, it is about a revolution in personalised healthcare that can improve the lives of three million people, increase their independence and dignity as well as reduce the time they spend in hospital.”

Such big numbers alongside laudable aspirations make me nervous. And already some in the health sector are challenging the claims. One academic said the savings might be realistic, “if you deploy the right service for the right user in the right way.”

We are exploring how we can make these claims a reality. We are convinced that a combination of expert technical application alongside a robust individual assessment, we can get the right service in place. Delivering personal housing support alongside the right technology has tremendous potential to deliver the improved service described by the Minister. Our research and development will identify different ways of achieving the right blend of services. And if that leads to an increase in dignity and independence, it will be time and energy well spent. If you want to hear more about how Herefordshire Careline can support you or your service, contact me by email on pbrown@hhl.org.uk.

Appears in Elderly people, Independent Living