DORSET residents with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic heart failure are being asked to take part in a voluntary telehealth trial.

Telehealth allows people to monitor their health by using devices at home.

These devices can monitor a number of things including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and weight. Readings are taken and the information sent via telephone lines to a central secure data point for monitoring.

It aims to allow more freedom for patients and their carers as some routine hospital and GP visits are unnecessary. This can also save time for health care staff who may not need to visit as often but can still monitor their patients’ condition.

It is proposed to introduce telehealth for people in Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset and the NHS is seeking people to help shape the service. To take part email tele health.project@dorset-pct.nhs.uk