Telehealth could save NHS more than GBP70 million in two years

WATFORD, ENGLAND, October 23, 2010

Telehealth technology could save the NHS more than GBP70 million in the next two years by reducing hospital admissions.
According to research carried out by award-winning industry leader Telehealth Solutions, one day in hospital costs the NHS about GBP230. However, patients with chronic conditions, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) could be hospitalised for an average of 12 days, which could cost up to GBP2,500 per stay.
If admissions were reduced by almost 90% among users of the Watford-based firm's portable HomePod, the NHS could GBP70 million across the UK. That equates to GBP4,000 per device in the field.
The 'HomePod' allows patients with COPD or heart failure to measure key medical statistics each day, then send them to a doctor instantly.
It can measure things like blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation and patients can also answer questions and receive advice or encouragement from a doctor. The result is, carers can intervene as soon as there is a problem and before the issue demands a hospital visit.
With more demands on budgets than ever before the NHS needs to examine ways in which it can save money in the long-term.
The money saved by embracing telehealth could be redirected to vital aspects of health services, including more home or GP visits or more responsive A&E services for when patients do require a visit to hospital.
Telehealth Solutions Product Manager Charles Lowe said: "I think that now, as ever, the NHS could benefit enormously from telehealth. The group that will benefit most, however, are those who suffer from painful and debilitating illnesses every day. Their lives will

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