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Health project is extended

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More patients with serious lung conditions are to benefit from a scheme to help keep them out of hospital.

The Leicester City clinical commissioning group (CCG) is extending a "telehealth" project to a further 100 patients with lung disease, known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

A computer will be installed at their home and each morning the patient has to answer a number of questions about their breathing and general health as well as testing their blood pressure.

The answers are then sent electronically to a specialist respiratory nurse.

If there is concern about the results, the nurse will telephone or visit the patient to help prevent a chest infection or other complications developing.

Patients are also allocated a "health coach" to help them manage their condition.

Rachel Braithwaite, a specialist respiratory nurse working for the CCG and the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, which runs community and mental health services, said: "This scheme is really helping patients.

"Usually I would only get to see my patients once a fortnight. This system means I can pick up information on their health and wellbeing daily, so I'll know instantly if they are feeling a bit poorly and need me to pop in and give them a check-up."

A pilot project involving 50 patients is estimated to have saved about 50 emergency hospital admissions.

It also saved £100,000 which will be re-invested in schemes such as early detection of COPD.

Patient Claudia Gethin, of Braunstone, said: "Having the computer in my home means that every morning when I wake up I can go on the system and enter how I am feeling.

"I did used to go into hospital quite a bit with my lungs, but since having this in my home and the support I feel a lot happier.

"I know that if I start to get a chest infection, Rachel will see my results and pop round to check my chest. It gives me peace of mind."

Professor Azhar Farooqi, a city GP and chairman of the CCG, said: "We are delighted with the results from the first 50 patients and we have seen a real improvement in their quality of life.

"We have received fantastic feedback from the those using the equipment and, generally, most patients seem to be feeling a lot more confident about managing what can be a worrying condition, in their own home.

"Research shows if patients do suffer an episode of ill health they can recover faster at home. By expanding the project, we hope to keep even more patients out of hospital."

Health project is extended


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