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TeleHealth tops the agenda at University of Kent conference

The University of Kent is holding a conference on TeleHealth technology on Wednesday, 26 March.

This free event, which is open to individuals from the health sector and related businesses, will feature four speakers who will address different aspects of the fast-growing practice of TeleHealth. It is a scheme which allows patients to record vital data such as their blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and oxygen levels via a piece of computer equipment in their own home, and to send the results directly to their GP or nurse - therefore avoiding frequent visits to the surgery.

The GP, in turn, is able to monitor the data from the surgery and to decide if further advice or treatment is necessary. Kent County Council has also run a pilot scheme to test whether TeleHealth equipment enhances its healthcare services.

The conference takes place in the Pilkington Building at the Medway campus, Chatham Maritime, from 1pm to 4.30pm.

Speakers include Dr Richard Curry, a scientific advisor for the Department of Health, who has helped research the role of technology in supporting chronic disease management, self-care and healthy living. Dr Michael Tremblay, Health Policy Advisor for the NHS and independent consultant on health for the EU, will also be presenting.

In addition, there are talks from two University of Kent academics - Professor Andy Alaszewski, Director for the Centre for Health Service Studies, and Professor Clare Mackie, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the University and formerly Head of Medway School of Pharmacy. Professor Mackie will also chair the event.

The Kent Inventors Club Forum, where individuals present their latest creations in the fields of health and medicine, follows the conference.

The event has been organised by the Canterbury Enterprise Hub, based at the University of Kent, in association with the South East Medical Device Network.

For more details, please contact Heather Hoare at Canterbury Enterprise Hub on 01227 824641 or email h.l.hoare@kent.ac.uk

Contact: N.J.Ellwood@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 2:04pm 10 March 2008