Patients to Benefit from Cutting-Edge NHS Care from Home
The NHS is bringing faster, more convenient care to patients across England through innovative digital healthcare technology and remote monitoring solutions. This rollout is set to transform how patients access services, allowing more people to receive care from the comfort of their own homes while freeing up hospital appointments for those who need them most.
Dozens of pilot schemes across England are introducing remote monitoring tools via the NHS App, enabling patients to share health updates such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, or other vital information directly with specialists. Once fully operational, these digital innovations are expected to free up to 500,000 hospital appointments annually, helping clinicians focus on urgent and complex cases.
A world-first trial will support people living with motor neurone disease (MND) using remote monitoring technology. Patients can now receive breathing support at home, improving quality of life while reducing hospital visits. The trial, led by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with the University of Sheffield, aims to expand access to life-changing technologies for the UK’s 5,000 MND patients.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the impact of this initiative:
“Patients expect care fit for the 21st century. Using technology to bring care closer to home frees up hospital appointments, making life simpler and healthcare more efficient for everyone.”
The pilot schemes will initially focus on key specialisms where digital tools can deliver the most benefit, including ENT, gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, urology, and cardiology. For example:
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trustwill introduce pre-appointment questionnaires via the NHS App, allowing clinicians to gather essential information in advance and reduce unnecessary follow-ups.
- InLeeds, prostate cancer patients can provide regular updates through the app, enabling early detection of potential recurrence and smoother access to care.
Dr Esther Hobson, honorary consultant neurologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, highlighted the benefits:
“We’re bringing care for people living with MND closer to home. This trial ensures patients can access vital treatment easily, while easing the burden on NHS staff.”
Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care, added:
“Funding world-class research and digital innovation enables the NHS to deliver safer, more efficient care. Remote monitoring is a key part of modernising services and supporting patients in their communities.”
This expansion builds on recent NHS progress, including over 5 million extra appointments delivered, millions more tests and scans conducted closer to home, and the launch of NHS Online, which aims to deliver up to 8.5 million specialist appointments via the app over the next three years.
Through innovative digital tools, remote monitoring, and patient-focused care, the NHS continues to transform healthcare delivery, improving outcomes, reducing waiting times, and making healthcare more accessible for everyone.
