Former health minister backs Inhealthcare’s new self-testing service in Norfolk

The former health minister Norman Lamb has given his backing to Inhealthcare’s new self-testing service in rural Norfolk.

The Harrogate-based digital health specialist is using its innovative technology to help patients with heart failure and lung disease.

Norman Lamb MP, the Liberal Democrat health spokesman, said:

This is a fantastic new service which will help people to monitor their health at home, bringing peace of mind while making sure that doctors and nurses can step in early if there is a sign something might be wrong.

“At a time when the NHS is under enormous pressure, it’s more vital than ever that we do everything we can to prevent people from being admitted to hospital unnecessarily, and this digital tool can make an important contribution.

“It’s a great example of the benefits that innovation and new technologies can bring to the NHS.”

Mr Lamb, the MP for North Norfolk, was minister of state in the Department of Health from 2012 to 2015.

Inhealthcare’s new service for Norfolk Community Health and Care Trust allows patients to check their vital signs at home and is designed to reduce preventable hospital admissions.

It will also free up hospital beds and surgery time, improve quality of life for patients and cut travel costs across large rural areas.

The trust serves a population of more than 880,000 people in Norfolk, making it one of the largest providers of community health and care services in the health service.

Up to 240 patients could use the service in the first year and will allow some to be discharged from hospital sooner.

Inhealthcare works with the NHS to digitise care services across the UK.

Bryn Sage, chief executive, said:

We are delighted that the former health minister Norman Lamb has recognised the value of our technology in helping the NHS.

“Digital health offers huge potential to increase productivity in our healthcare system but needs enlightened political advocates like Norman to help increase adoption.”

The Norfolk Community Health and Care Trust will measure and evaluate the reduction in preventable hospital admissions as well as patient perception of the service.

About Inhealthcare Ltd

Inhealthcare is a digital health specialist working with the NHS to digitise care services across the UK. The company enables patients to be cared for remotely, whether that’s at work, at home or abroad. Importantly, its services are highly secure, cost effective and studies show consistent improved clinical outcomes. For further information visit www.inhealthcare.co.uk