Smart watches on the NHS for some says Streeting.

I’m far too apple shaped. It’s my natural shape because I always had a little belly, even when I was size ten. But I need to reduce it after my surgery, I’m not size ten anymore and haven’t been for a long time.

I don't think it's either/or maddyfour.

I guess I have a personal interest, as I am forever being monitored, which must cost the NHS money.

1 I've had T2 diabetes for over 30 years and am now suffering for it, as I have painful neuropathy, tendonitis (for which diabetes is a risk factor), the first signs of retinopathy (for which I have more frequent eye tests) and problems with my feet. I have HbA1c tests every three months, but they only give an average. It would be helpful if my sugar spikes could be identified earlier. I know they happen when I have any kind of infection or I'm particularly stressed and can't sleep. I use finger prick tests, but they are a little painful and most of the time, I'm OK. It would be helpful to have continuous monitoring, so that I really can highlight the problem times and do something about them.

2 I've had a heart attack. Although I've had three echocardiograms and a number of ECGs, which show that my heart is in reasonable shape, there are times when I have worrying symptoms (fast heart rate and breathlessness). I usually ignore them because they don't last long. My blood pressure is usually normal (I take medication), but sometimes is very low. It might be helpful if an accurate record of the fluctuations were available.

3 I've had lobular breast cancer and am constantly aware that there could be recurrences. Lobular breast cancer isn't always picked up by mammograms, but is picked up by MRI scans.

4 I currently have a suspected melanoma, which has been identified by scanning but needs to be confirmed and treated with a biopsy. The current average waiting time for dermatology at my local hospital is 26 weeks, as there is a shortage of dermatologists.

As a result of the above, I would be happy to wear a smart monitor, but I would also like to see an increase in the number of MRI scanners and staff. All this costs money, of course, but could save money in the long run if fewer tests were needed. If the melanoma is confirmed and needs treatment at a more advanced stage, it will cost the NHS more than if it's identified and treated now.

I'll be following the results of any trials, which I welcome.

David49

Any one who thinks a smartwatch is going to solve the NHS problems is barking mad.

A proper blood pressure monitor costs around £20 used properly gives very accurate readings. One problem with mass routine screening is that it’s going to greatly increase the demand on the GPs as first point of contact.

I don't think for one moment that smartwatches will solve all the NHS problems, but they could actually reduce the number of routine tests which people at risk have, be more efficient at identifying problems - and save money!

maddyfour

Of course I do, but I don’t know what they do in France, which I believe is where you are.

I do actually have a large number of friends and family across the UK as well. 😊 There is also evidence from people on this thread.
If you take a print out of your atrial fibrillation history to the doctor then I think it unlikely they would ignore it.

David49

Any one who thinks a smartwatch is going to solve the NHS problems is barking mad.

A proper blood pressure monitor costs around £20 used properly gives very accurate readings. One problem with mass routine screening is that it’s going to greatly increase the demand on the GPs as first point of contact.

I'm sorry I must have missed the part where somebody said all the problems of the NHS would be solved by smartwatches.

Like it or not, we have to move with the times and take what is offered. Accept it with good grace instead of using it as just another stab at the government.

maddyfour

^Any one who thinks a smartwatch is going to solve the NHS problems is barking mad.^

How true David.

Of course it's true, but nobody has suggested otherwise, have they?

Having an oximeter saved my life when I had covid, my readings alerted me to call gp who told me to call an ambulance, I was in hospital in oxygen for 2 weeks and quite ill for 3 months after that. Had I not used the oximeter I wouldn’t have done any of that and for sure wouldn’t be here now

I’m sorry to hear of your latest health problems growstuff. I was already aware of you being diabetic. I think (though I’m not a doctor) that a monitor for your blood sugar would be very helpful to you. Maybe a smartwatch in your case too, although I thought they are being introduced for overweight people who need to lose weight in order to get back to work, which wouldn’t help you.

I hope you get your dermatology appointment soon, but it looks unlikely from what you say. It would obviously be better to treat you sooner rather than later.

growstuff

I don't think it's either/or maddyfour.

I guess I have a personal interest, as I am forever being monitored, which must cost the NHS money.

1 I've had T2 diabetes for over 30 years and am now suffering for it, as I have painful neuropathy, tendonitis (for which diabetes is a risk factor), the first signs of retinopathy (for which I have more frequent eye tests) and problems with my feet. I have HbA1c tests every three months, but they only give an average. It would be helpful if my sugar spikes could be identified earlier. I know they happen when I have any kind of infection or I'm particularly stressed and can't sleep. I use finger prick tests, but they are a little painful and most of the time, I'm OK. It would be helpful to have continuous monitoring, so that I really can highlight the problem times and do something about them.

2 I've had a heart attack. Although I've had three echocardiograms and a number of ECGs, which show that my heart is in reasonable shape, there are times when I have worrying symptoms (fast heart rate and breathlessness). I usually ignore them because they don't last long. My blood pressure is usually normal (I take medication), but sometimes is very low. It might be helpful if an accurate record of the fluctuations were available.

3 I've had lobular breast cancer and am constantly aware that there could be recurrences. Lobular breast cancer isn't always picked up by mammograms, but is picked up by MRI scans.

4 I currently have a suspected melanoma, which has been identified by scanning but needs to be confirmed and treated with a biopsy. The current average waiting time for dermatology at my local hospital is 26 weeks, as there is a shortage of dermatologists.

As a result of the above, I would be happy to wear a smart monitor, but I would also like to see an increase in the number of MRI scanners and staff. All this costs money, of course, but could save money in the long run if fewer tests were needed. If the melanoma is confirmed and needs treatment at a more advanced stage, it will cost the NHS more than if it's identified and treated now.

I'll be following the results of any trials, which I welcome.

I suppose a smart watch will be useful for certain conditions but obviously there are others which require regular blood tests and vigilance by GPs and Consultants.

4 I currently have a suspected melanoma, which has been identified by scanning but needs to be confirmed and treated with a biopsy. The current average waiting time for dermatology at my local hospital is 26 weeks, as there is a shortage of dermatologists.

I'm shocked, growstuff, when DH had a suspected melanoma (dismissed by the practice nurse as nothing but I insisted he see the GP) he was seen, the suspect mole was excised within a fortnight. Then more had to be excised but all within a month.
I hope you are seen much more quickly than that.

maddyfour

I’m sorry to hear of your latest health problems growstuff. I was already aware of you being diabetic. I think (though I’m not a doctor) that a monitor for your blood sugar would be very helpful to you. Maybe a smartwatch in your case too, although I thought they are being introduced for overweight people who need to lose weight in order to get back to work, which wouldn’t help you.

I hope you get your dermatology appointment soon, but it looks unlikely from what you say. It would obviously be better to treat you sooner rather than later.

I haven't read anything about them only being for overweight people who need to get back to work. Do you have a reliable source for that?

In my case, smart watches would almost certainly reduce the number of routine tests I have and give more instant results. I have no idea how the cost of tests compare with providing a smart device.

Allira Thank you for your concern. By coincidence I've just received an appointment for 11 November. I was initially referred on the two cancer pathway on 5 September and referred by the hospital for a biopsy on 25 September. Fingers crossed.

maddyfour

I’m sorry to hear of your latest health problems growstuff. I was already aware of you being diabetic. I think (though I’m not a doctor) that a monitor for your blood sugar would be very helpful to you. Maybe a smartwatch in your case too, although I thought they are being introduced for overweight people who need to lose weight in order to get back to work, which wouldn’t help you.

I hope you get your dermatology appointment soon, but it looks unlikely from what you say. It would obviously be better to treat you sooner rather than later.

Have you read about this one small element of the the plans and how it would fit into wider developments maddyfour, because it sounds like you might have the wrong impression?

‘The health secretary wants to roll out smartwatches to more members of the public in a bid to tackle debilitating conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

The devices would allow people to monitor their blood pressure and glucose levels, and be warned about spikes before their health took a turn for the worse.’

From the Independent.

growstuff

Allira Thank you for your concern. By coincidence I've just received an appointment for 11 November. I was initially referred on the two cancer pathway on 5 September and referred by the hospital for a biopsy on 25 September. Fingers crossed.

Not before time! 🤞 all goes well.

Allira

growstuff

Allira Thank you for your concern. By coincidence I've just received an appointment for 11 November. I was initially referred on the two cancer pathway on 5 September and referred by the hospital for a biopsy on 25 September. Fingers crossed.

Not before time! 🤞 all goes well.

Thank you.

It wasn't a post because I feel sorry for myself.

I was just thinking through how smart devices could help me - and maybe save the NHS money. Currently, I'm prescribed diabetes testing strips and lancets. I know the testing strips are quite expensive - about20/25p each I think - and when I'm ill I test a number of times a day. I know the NHS spends billions on diabetes.

If money could be released, maybe there would be more available for more scanners and staff for other conditions. I guess the issue is that every specialty has a corner to fight, so anything which might be more effective and cost less should be considered, for the sake of the overall budget.

maddyfour

cloughdancer
You’re talking about a sugar moniter for diabetics, not a smart watch! They’re different, but surely you know that.

Of course I know it isn't a smart watch, but the whole point about a smart watch, as far as I understand it, is that it monitors the person for problems, which is exactly what the Libre monitor does (whether it's worn on the wrist, the arm or on top of the head!) for me.

I was describing what it does and how it reduces the cost to the NHS of keeping me alive because that's the monitoring device I know about. The smart watches will reduce the cost to the NHS of treating people with, for instance, heart problems, which will mean there will be more money available for other equipment, such as MRI and CT scanners.

Does anybody have any reliable data about these plans?

All I can find is very vague - nothing about getting obese people back to work.

From what I've been able to find out, some people will be given personalised devices, depending on what condition they have.

It's here in the i

In case it's behind a paywall, here is the relevant text:

A major part of the 10-year plan is the distribution of smartwatches and other wearable technology to millions of patients to help them monitor their health.

The Health Secretary said he wanted to reform the NHS using “cutting-edge technology that helps us stay healthy and out of hospital”.

He added: “The challenges for the NHS are stark, but the opportunities are huge. Modern technology will transform how patients are cared for, making their lives infinitely easier and the NHS fit for the future.”

Proposals include distributing smartwatches to patients with high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes to help them manage their condition. Devices could also be given to those with Parkinson’s disease, or recovering from strokes, to help monitor their mobility.

In recent trials in Greater Manchester, patients recovering from lung, bowel and blood cancer were given smart rings that monitored their heart rate, body temperature and activity levels, in order to track their recovery.

Weight-loss jabs to get people back into work

The Government announced last week that it was partnering with Lilly – the world’s largest pharmaceutical company – to launch a trial that involves giving the weight loss jab Mounjaro to unemployed people with obesity.

Writing for The Telegraph, Streeting said: “Widening waistbands are also placing significant burden on our health service. The long-term benefits of these drugs could be monumental in our approach to tackling obesity.”

He pointed out that illness relating to obesity costs the NHS around £11bn each year, and recent data shows that 29 per cent of adults in the UK are deemed to be obese.

“It’s holding back our economy. Illness caused by obesity causes people to take an extra four sick days a year on average, while many others are forced out of work altogether,” he added.

The Government is investing £279m in the trial, which will see 250,000 people given the jab over the next three years to see if its extended use reduces worklessness and NHS use.

The Health Secretary said: “The long-term benefits of these drugs could be monumental in our approach to tackling obesity. For many people, these weight-loss jabs will be life-changing, help them get back to work, and ease the demands on our NHS.”

Thanks Doodledog.

Am I right in thinking that the smartwatches and obesity are two separate strands? I can't see anything about obese people being prioritised for smartwatches. Of course, it's likely that there is a higher rate of diabetes and heart problems in obese people, but that's not the same as saying the devices are mainly for them.

Root and branch overhaul is needed. We ALL know this! Even Wes said “the NHS is broken”.

The NHS spends £40  million a year on diversity officers and associated “educational” activities – many of them devoted to promoting identity politics, Pride events and other Lefty fetishes which have bugger all to do with healthcare.

C’mon our government lets sort this.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Root and branch overhaul is needed. We ALL know this! Even Wes said “the NHS is broken”.

The NHS spends £40  million a year on diversity officers and associated “educational” activities – many of them devoted to promoting identity politics, Pride events and other Lefty fetishes which have bugger all to do with healthcare.

C’mon our government lets sort this.

I disagree. Targeted interventions and improvements are needed, but not "root and branch overhaul" - may you'd like to explain what you mean. By the way, £40 million a year is peanuts compared with what the NHS spends on people with long term and sometimes preventable conditions.

By the way, we don't ALL know this or agree with you.

As an aside, my cousin’s daughter (I never know whether that means she’s my second cousin or first cousin one step removed!) is in the last 7 weeks of her GP Training.

10 years of study, practice and training. Guess what? There are no jobs available! The GP Practices in her area (a whole county because she was prepared to travel) have NO funding to set on new GPs because they all took on Physician Associates. (Cheaper doncha know and these GP practices are not under the NHS but are private businesses in and of themselves - so making MONEY is very important).

She thinks that most of her cohort are in the same position. Across the country that could be 1,000+ new GPs. Denied jobs by pseudo GPs with 2 years training.

Our NHS? Just a bunch of bureaucratic fools….

That is nonsense FriedGreenTomatoes2. There are hundreds of GP recruitment websites, I went on just one.
jobs.gponline.com/

FriedGreenTomatoes2

As an aside, my cousin’s daughter (I never know whether that means she’s my second cousin or first cousin one step removed!) is in the last 7 weeks of her GP Training.

10 years of study, practice and training. Guess what? There are no jobs available! The GP Practices in her area (a whole county because she was prepared to travel) have NO funding to set on new GPs because they all took on Physician Associates. (Cheaper doncha know and these GP practices are not under the NHS but are private businesses in and of themselves - so making MONEY is very important).

She thinks that most of her cohort are in the same position. Across the country that could be 1,000+ new GPs. Denied jobs by pseudo GPs with 2 years training.

Our NHS? Just a bunch of bureaucratic fools….

I'm sure there's already a thread about this.

Apologies then. 😊