The government today launched a £31m programme to test the effectiveness of remote health monitoring.

The pilot scheme – being rolled out across Kent, Cornwall and Newham – will see patients recording their own health information and transmitting it to clinicians electronically, as well as information being transmitted automatically.

The government hopes the system will help plug a looming £6bn gap in personal care due to a rapidly ageing population, according to health secretary Alan Johnson.

"Improving care with new scientific advances and innovation is vital if the NHS is to continue to offer the very best services, but this innovation must be at the frontline of the NHS to help people manage their conditions better themselves," he said.

The government estimates that in 20 years' time a quarter of the entire adult population will be over 65 and the number of people over 85 will have doubled.

The new systems – known as Telecare and Telehealth – will allow clinicians to save time by monitoring a larger number of patients at risk of current or future hospital admission.

Clients can also trigger requests for help should they fall and automated safety devices will be installed to monitor fire alarms, carbon monoxide levels and temperature levels.

The three-year triall will cover about 6,000 patients.