Feeling the pressure: MP checks out life saving gadgets
MP Andrew Bridgen checked out new gadgets that allow medics to check the health of people from hundreds of miles away.
Visiting a display by Carers UK/Tunstall Healthcare at the Conservative Party Conference, the MP for North West Leicestershire volunteered to have his vital signs checked.
The company’s telehealthcare equipment makes patients’ readings instantly available to a nurse, paramedic or GP, wherever they are in the country.
Andrew said: “Technology which monitors people’s health at home provides an early warning system and could prevent older and vulnerable people from falling ill and having to go into hospital or residential care.”
He pointed out that in North West Leicestershire alone, there are 2,176 people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), a group of serious health conditions that includes emphysema and bronchitis, and which is the most common cause of hospital admissions.
Andrew said: “This technology could help track those people’s health and give them and the health service more options about where and when they are looked after. As we get older, we all hope to stay in our own homes as long as possible. This kind of technology can be a win-win for everyone, taking the pressure off families, hospitals and social care services by helping people to stay independent for longer.
”This technology can give family members peace of mind and much needed breaks from caring for their sick or elderly relative, allowing them to return to work on a part or even full-time basis.
Tunstall’s communications director Ali Rogan said, “Telecare ticks many boxes. For the person using the technology, it provides choice, dignity, empowerment and independence.
For the carer or family member, it offers reassurance and peace of mind 24 hours a day. For local authorities, it offers cost effective, person centred care. For the health service, it enables earlier discharge, reductions in hospital admissions and a more joined up service with social care.”
