7th December 2011

Medilink UK and Industry back Government drive to improve three million Lives

In response to today’s announcement on the Department of Health’s successful telehealth and telecare trials, health technology industry representative Tony Davis, Medilink UK Chair said:

“Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, sets the stage for telehealth and telecare technologies to be made available to every person with a long term condition or in need of care, in the UK, helping them manage their health while maintaining their independence.

“These trials were the largest randomised control trial of telehealth and telecare services in the world and the results have revealed that patient experience and healthcare outcomes are improved, while cost is reduced. This is exactly what those of us in the industry were expecting, and we’re ready to meet demand. These peer-reviewed results answer the NHS’s call for evidence, so it now has the opportunity to re-think the way it organises care services to make them better and more efficient and ensure national take-up of these technologies.

“Medilink UK has been working with industry, other trade associations and the Department of Health to accelerate the roll-out of telehealth and telecare services in the NHS and social care, which will enhance the lives of three million people over the next five years. We will be encouraging all our members in the telehealth and telecare markets to sign up and get involved. Every business in this sector must use this opportunity to work with the NHS and social care providers to ensure these technologies are available and in use across the country within five years.”

For more details, please contact Claire Blincow on 01543 250505.