NEWS
Improved care needed for patients with sensory loss
Patients with sensory loss can experience a lack of appropriate care in the NHS, according to a new report commissioned by the Welsh Government.
The report, ‘Accessible Health-
care for People with Sensory Loss in Wales’, highlights three major areas of
concern: communica-
tion, dignity and respect, and the healthcare environment.
Members of the group, estab- lished by the Welsh Government and also made up of people from the NHS, the voluntary sector and other relevant organisations, liaised with representatives from Action on Hearing Loss Cymru, RNIB Cymru and other people with sensory loss.
The report reads: “Healthcare
organisations should recognise that ineffective communication with patients with sensory loss is a patient safety issue that can have serious implications for both patient and health organisations.”
People suffering from lung dis- ease, heart failure, arthritis or high blood pressure will have machines installed in their homes to monitor their condition.
These will send results on blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, pulse, weight and respiration elec- tronically to doctors so they can detect early signs of deterioration and act accordingly.
The move follows the success of a pilot involving 6,000 people, which cut deaths by up to half and reduced GP appointments, emergency hospital admissions and A&E visits. Caring for patients in the home could save the NHS around £1.2bn per year.
David Cameron said: “We’ve tri-
alled it, it’s been a huge success, and now we’re on a drive to roll this out nationwide.
“The aim – to improve three million lives over the next five years. This is going to make an extraordinary difference to people. Diabetics taking their blood sugar levels at home – and having them checked by a nurse. Heart disease patients having their blood pressure and pulse rate checked – without leav- ing their home.
“Dignity, convenience and inde- pendence for millions of people.”
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, head of science and ethics at the BMA, said: “It quite clearly gives the patients an opportunity to man- age their own illness and there is pretty good evidence that this is a good thing.
“It is not for everyone, some peo- ple find it intimidating and difficult but we know that for many chronic conditions, good tight control is effective and this is a good way of getting it.”
Telehealth monitoring equipment worth around £750m is to be given to three million people with long-term health conditions over the next five years, the Prime Min- ister announced at the launch of the life sciences strategy.
8 | national health executive Jan/Feb 12
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