Mr Burns visited three re-ablement "smart homes", giving him insight into how telecare solutions work successfully in a real-life setting. With each flat equipped with telecare technology, the re-ablement scheme provides residents with a level of support which enables them to be discharged from hospital earlier than would otherwise be possible, helping to reduce the pressure on the NHS.

Mr Burns said: "Essex and CHP offer an excellent service. Telecare and telehealth really give people peace of mind that they can be cared for at home rather than in hospital or a care home. People are able to take some straightforward measurements such as their blood pressure and the information is relayed to a clinician which helps minimise medical problems. At the same time this saves money which can be ploughed back into frontline services."

With telecare and telehealth programmes well-advanced across Essex, local health and care services are able to maintain high levels of health and social care provision, as well as enhance the quality of life for service users.

Across the county, there are now over 36,000 people benefiting from telecare and a study has found that for every £1 spent on telecare, £3.58 has been saved in traditional care costs. NHS North East Essex recently launched a telehealth service in partnership with Tunstall to enhance care provision for patients with long-term conditions.

This continued investment in telehealthcare supports the Department of Health's Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) initiative, highlighted in the Government's white paper, "Liberating the NHS: Equality and Excellence" and aims to improve quality and efficiency across health and care services.

CHP is a not-for-profit housing association, operating 25 housing schemes including both sheltered and re-ablement services across Essex. Working in partnership with Essex County Council, Adult Community Health and Wellbeing and Tunstall, CHP installed telecare solutions in its properties across Essex to help those with support needs or long-term care requirements to live safely in their own homes and call for assistance when required, providing a real alternative to residential care.

Sandy James, Older Persons Services Manager for CHP, said: "Telecare plays a vital role in our housing schemes, enabling service users to live safely and independently in their own homes and avoid residential care. We were pleased that Mr Burns was able to see for himself how successfully telecare works in a real-life setting and enjoyed being able to demonstrate the positive impact that telecare has on residents benefiting from the scheme."

Telecare solutions are installed in the 946 properties managed by CHP and play a vital role in promoting independent living, the use of telecare across the re-ablement scheme also enables staff to assess residents' care needs before they return home.

Service users have responded positively to the use of telecare and a survey revealed 100% satisfaction with the schemes. One service user had no family support after he was discharged from hospital with a broken shoulder. The re-ablement scheme helped him to regain his independence and confidence, and facilitated a move to a sheltered scheme flat.

Ali Rogan, Marketing Director for Tunstall, said: "Telecare makes a real difference to the lives of those with support requirements and long-term care needs, and CHP's use of telecare solutions across both their re-ablement and sheltered housing schemes has helped improve residents' quality of life, giving them peace of mind that help is always on hand if required.

"With numerous telecare and telehealth projects across the region, Essex shows a continued investment in telehealthcare, and the positive impacts of the solutions on residents and health services demonstrate the county is setting an example for others to follow."

CHP has been using Tunstall's telecare solutions for the last 30 years across its sheltered housing and re-ablement schemes. Service users are assessed and provided with telecare solutions based on their support needs. According to their requirements Tunstall's Lifeline unit and a range of telecare sensors including fall-detectors, bed sensors, flood alerts, and smoke alarms are installed.

The telecare sensors work together to manage risks in the home by raising an alarm with the telecare service provider, who alerts the sheltered scheme manager, family member or the emergency services if required, giving residents peace of mind that 24-hour support is on hand when needed.

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About Tunstall
Tunstall Healthcare Group is the market leading provider of telehealthcare solutions, with over 2.5 million users globally. Tunstall's solutions support older people and those with long-term needs, to live independently, by effectively managing their health and well-being. Tunstall provides technology, expertise and advice to millions of people enabling them to lead independent more fulfilling lives. For more information on how telehealthcare can improve quality of life, visit www.tunstallhealth.com.