Patients to Test Health at Home to Ease NHS Winter Pressure

Published: 07 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

As the NHS braces for the pressures of the coming winter, patients will increasingly be asked to monitor their own health at home using technology designed to reduce unnecessary hospital visits and free up vital resources. Across the country, 45 pilot schemes have been announced to allow people to check their own oxygen levels, blood pressure, and other symptoms, submitting readings digitally to NHS specialists rather than attending in-person consultations.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the move as part of the government’s wider plan to modernise the NHS and make it “fit for the 21st century.” He said: “Using tech to bring care closer to home frees up hospital appointments for those who truly need them and makes life simpler for everyone. That’s our mission: care that’s easier, faster, and always within reach.”

Officials have highlighted that many of these remote monitoring trials aim to ease pressure on A&E departments, which are expected to face unprecedented demand this winter. With the UK potentially facing the worst flu season on record, combined with rising hospital admissions for chronic illnesses, the NHS is increasingly turning to digital solutions to manage patient care efficiently.

Ian Eardley, National Clinical Director for Elective Care at NHS England, emphasised the practical benefits of the approach. “Remote monitoring enables vital information to be shared more easily and efficiently between patients and their health teams, allowing people to get the support they need without an unnecessary trip to hospital,” he said. “This not only improves care but also helps staff focus on patients who need face-to-face attention.”

Among the pilot projects, Sheffield is exploring remote monitoring of portable ventilators for people with motor neurone disease (MND). Specialists will track usage and adjust settings remotely, potentially expanding access to life-changing care for the estimated 5,000 MND patients in the UK. Professor Lucy Chappell, the government’s chief scientific adviser for health, noted that the research will generate evidence to refine treatments and support the NHS’s broader shift toward community-based care.

Dr Esther Hobson, Honorary Consultant Neurologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, described the programme as an example of “making the most of existing technology to make it as easy as possible for NHS staff and their patients to get the benefits without extra burden.” The project aims to ensure that patients receive timely interventions while reducing the strain on hospital staff.

In Leeds, men previously treated for prostate cancer will be able to report health updates, book appointments, and message clinicians through the NHS app. This digital interaction will allow specialists to detect signs of recurrence earlier, improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary travel. Chiara De Biase, from Prostate Cancer UK, called the initiative “really exciting,” adding that it empowers patients to navigate complex diseases with more personalised support.

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is also trialling remote monitoring for patients with suspected respiratory conditions. By completing digital questionnaires via the NHS app before appointments, clinicians can prioritise cases based on urgency, reducing waiting times and increasing the likelihood that patients will be treated within the NHS’s 18-week target.

The government’s expansion of remote monitoring is part of the Plan for Change, which aims to modernise public services by accelerating the NHS’s shift from analogue to digital. Once fully operational, officials estimate that the programme could save around half a million hospital appointments annually, while maintaining patient safety and quality of care.

The technology is being tested in five key medical areas: ear, nose and throat (ENT), gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, urology, and cardiology. These fields were chosen due to the significant potential for remote monitoring to impact patient care, reduce hospital visits, and improve overall outcomes.

Health experts have welcomed the initiative as a vital step toward creating a more efficient NHS. “Remote monitoring is not just about reducing hospital visits; it’s about enabling patients to take an active role in their own health and providing clinicians with real-time data to make better decisions,” said Dr Sophie Green, a digital health consultant. “This is especially crucial in high-demand periods such as winter when hospitals are at risk of being overwhelmed.”

The scheme also aligns with broader international trends in healthcare, where digital tools are being increasingly adopted to manage chronic illnesses and empower patients to monitor their own conditions. Evidence suggests that patients who take an active role in tracking their health often experience better outcomes, improved adherence to treatment, and reduced hospitalisation rates.

Wes Streeting stressed that while technology will play a major role in these pilots, it is not intended to replace face-to-face care entirely. “There will always be patients who need hands-on treatment, but for routine monitoring and early detection, this approach can transform how we deliver care and manage NHS resources,” he said.

Critics of the plan have raised concerns about digital inequality, noting that not all patients may have access to smartphones, reliable internet, or the skills to use monitoring devices effectively. In response, NHS officials have committed to providing devices, support, and guidance to patients as part of the trials. Training and assistance will ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind, and that digital monitoring is inclusive and equitable.

Early results from similar trials indicate promising outcomes. Hospitals participating in remote monitoring programmes have reported faster clinical decisions, fewer missed appointments, and reduced pressure on staff. Patients have described the experience as convenient and reassuring, providing peace of mind while allowing them to remain in their own homes.

In addition to improving efficiency, the initiative is expected to foster closer communication between patients and healthcare providers. By submitting data through the NHS app, patients can alert clinicians to potential problems early, facilitating timely interventions and potentially preventing emergencies. This real-time communication model represents a significant shift from traditional care pathways, where appointments and check-ins are scheduled weeks or months apart.

With winter approaching, NHS trusts are under increasing pressure to balance patient demand, staffing shortages, and limited hospital capacity. Remote monitoring offers a viable solution to manage these challenges without compromising the quality of care. As trials expand across the country, officials hope to establish a blueprint for the wider rollout of digital healthcare solutions.

Professor Chappell emphasised that the initiative is not just a technological experiment but a vital evolution in the way the NHS delivers care. “This is about building a sustainable system that works for everyone – patients, staff, and the wider healthcare ecosystem,” she said. “Digital tools allow us to provide personalised, responsive care while freeing up critical hospital resources.”

The initiative is expected to evolve rapidly, with lessons from the pilot schemes informing national policy and wider implementation. Officials believe that as patients and staff become more familiar with digital tools, adoption will increase, creating long-term efficiencies and improving patient outcomes across multiple medical disciplines.

By combining patient engagement, modern technology, and strategic planning, the NHS hopes to alleviate winter pressures while maintaining high standards of care. The remote monitoring pilots mark a significant step toward a more patient-focused, flexible, and resilient health service for the UK.