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Former mine engineer Ray has lived with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for 20 years.
Telehealth nurse advisor Lyn Gould can monitor her patients remotely.
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fter developing pneumonia and a clot on his lung last year Ray was fearful and low thinking he’d no longer be able to do the little things he loved like a trip to the beach, or walking his dog. When he was offered support from Mersey Care’s Telehealth service he was delighted. Health technology is a small, easy to use piece of equipment that works through a care portal or an app on your android phone, tablet or PC. It enables you or your carer to take your vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, body weight, oxygen levels at home. You can also answer simple questions about your health. This information is received by healthcare professionals giving you peace of mind that your condition is being monitored regularly. Your measurements and answers help health professionals give you the right support when you need it.
Ray measures his oxygen levels, heart rate and blood pressure and answers a few questions about his condition. The results are checked and shared with health professionals involved in his care. If the team sees abnormal results they’ll provide advice and support. They can also refer to other services. “I didn’t realise how much it would help me” says Ray. The machine is really easy to use and it takes the decisions out of my hands. If it was up to me I’d always be wondering ‘should I take the medicines or not’? There was one time when my readings showed that I needed to go into hospital. I might not have known that and stayed at home.”
Patients are so grateful for that extra layer of care.
Lyn is a big fan of Telehealth for health care staff to monitor their patients remotely, saving time, and for patients to avoid the need for home visits or hospital admissions. “It’s an amazing service and being a Telehealth nurse is the best job ever. You’re always problem solving to help people who are quite poorly have a better quality of life – and even saving lives.” If you are registered with a Liverpool GP you can be referred for assessment for Health Technology by your GP, community matron or specialist nurse. You can self refer but further checks would need to be made. For information call: 0151 285 4651.
Telehealth patient Ray and his wife Sandra.
Lyn Gould (above left) is one of 10 Telehealth nurse advisors supporting more than 5,000 people including patients identified as vulnerable during the pandemic. Her oldest patient is 101, the youngest just 30. “Patients are so grateful for that extra layer of care. They know we’re always in the background monitoring, so they’re not worried about missing the signs or symptoms of becoming unwell, or becoming anxious and calling an ambulance.”
Need to talk? Talk to us Talk Liverpool continue to accept referrals from anyone aged 16 or over and registered with a Liverpool GP. Assessment and treatment will be via telephone, online therapy via the SilverCloud programme and virtual face to face therapy via Attend Anywhere Go to Talk Liverpool website talkliverpool.nhs.uk or call 0151 228 2300. 23
