The Evening Times ran an article about figures in a new report showing that women from Lanarkshire experience higher-than-average rates of stillbirth and neonatal deaths than other parts of Scotland. The region recorded the second-highest rate in Scotland with 6.42 deaths per 1,000 births. However it is worth noting that the figure of 7,096 Lanarkshire resident […]
Modern technology – walk the line
Lanarkshire’s answer to Johnny Cash has revealed how the power of text has kept his life in harmony during ill health.
John Stalker (54), from Hamilton, was a long distance driver who – inspired by the Man in Black – sang and played guitar around local music halls and clubs in his spare time.
However, life as he knew it was changed forever when, after bouts of increasing breathlessness and a persistent cough, John was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2011.
COPD is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic asthma.
John had to retire from his job, but ongoing medical support, including an innovative new text message system – which links patients directly to NHS Lanarkshire respiratory nurses to help manage their condition – has given him a crucial boost.
“When something like this happens it affects your confidence profoundly – especially when you’re used to performing.
“The text message system, however, has given me an extra layer of reassurance and a sense of regaining control. Help and advice is only a text away.”
The system is known as Florence and is free for the patient to use.
COPD patients, who can be of any age over 16 years, text details such pulse and oxygen levels and receive texts back with advice and reminders, all based on the latest readings and their individual care. If the symptoms worsen an alert is also sent to the specialist nurse allowing them to respond by phone, text or visit as required.
The innovative telehealth scheme is part of the European-wide initiative United4Health, which is geared to using new technology to improve healthcare. NHS Lanarkshire along with North and South Lanarkshire Council are partners.
John had 11 hospital admissions last year due to his condition. Since starting using the text message system in January he’s only been admitted once as he was able to initiate treatment and specialist support earlier from his own home. To find out more e mail Morag Hearty on United4.HealthProject@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
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