16 June 2006
Technology in patients' homes will "transform the lives of thousands", according to a report.
Around 160,000 people in the UK are set to benefit from an £80 million government investment in the technology.
Internet technology will play a big part in bringing patients and doctors together, with email service and access and online medical assistance key factors in at-home patient care.
Dr Gill Morgan, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: "Telecare is good news for patients and the NHS. In many areas, it is providing a better and more efficient service to patients and helping to save the NHS money.
"Using new technology to enable vulnerable people to live independent lives, in their own homes, is empowering for the patient and helps reduce hospital admissions, reducing bed days."
Dr Morgan continued that increased use of technology would also allow the NHS to be more streamlined and efficient, increasing productivity and lowering costs.
A recent study conducted by an NHS body revealed that £700 could be saved by the service by making it more efficient, with technology and the Internet playing a large role.
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