NHS Direct is looking for primary care organisations to work with it on pilot remote care projects in 2005-6 and has outlined several options that PCTs could take up.
One option is that trusts or strategic health authorities could use NHS Direct’s IT and telephone systems during day-time hours, when NHS Direct is less busy, to provide telephone or web-based services for the management of long term conditions.
Another possibility is that NHS Direct could act as the provider of some services to patients with long term conditions either by providing proactive advice or information or by offering an NHS Direct number to patients with long term conditions. NHS Direct already provides symptomatic advice and health information to some patients with long-term conditions, through its 0845 4647 number.
NHS Direct is also keen to use its website and interactive TV services to support care of patients with long term conditions. Following on from the pilots the services could be available for PCTs to commission in the next financial year, 2006/7.
Anyone interested in finding out more or receiving a copy of the prospectus NHS Direct has drawn up should contact Dr Nicholas Robinson, eHealth & Telecare Adviser, NHS Direct New Media, nicholas.robinson@nwlha.nhs.uk.