What is this service?

The Bristol Community Health Telehealth service is a support team who aid patients with a remote monitoring device. The telehealth device is similar to a smart phone which helps patients record key daily medical readings to help them manage their COPD or heart failure at home.

We are currently conducting an evaluation of this service (which was launched as a pilot) to measure the benefits of using technology in this way for Bristol patients.

Take a look here for information about our COPD Team, or here for further about our Heart Failure Team. You can also look at the British Lung Foundation or British Heart Foundation websites for more helpful information.

What does this service offer?

Telehealth offers support for those living with COPD or heart failure who would benefit from some support to help them manage their condition at home. The telehealth units are provided for around 6 months to support you to understand your symptoms and can increase your confidence in self-managing your condition.

Please note: Telehealth is not an emergency service.

Once you are referred into telehealth, a member of the support team will come to your home and show you how to use the device. You will then need to make daily recordings which will be about how you are feeling, and measurements such as weight or blood pressure. The readings are then sent through a secure network to the clinician who usually supports you.

Your clinician will know from your readings how well you are managing your condition, and they may call to offer support and advice, or even visit you if it is appropriate.

Who is the service for?

Any adult with COPD or heart failure might be suitable for telehealth; speak to your clinician if you feel you might benefit. The Telehealth Support Team is available to set up units between Monday and Friday.

How can I access this service?

In order to access our Telehealth Service, you must be referred by your clinician. Let them know if you feel you would benefit from the service.

Are you a clinician that wants to refer to this service?

If you are a clinician or GP and wish to refer to this service, please see referral forms on the left of this page.