DIY blood tests will take the pressure off

Anti-coagulation patients in Sunderland will test their own blood at home

Sundrland City Council is improving social inclusion with a home blood testing service

Health service patients in Sunderland will be the first in the UK to use a web-based, do-it-yourself blood testing service based on interactive business intelligence
technology.

The council-run scheme is designed to relieve the strain on the NHS by freeing up staff and hospital space, and reducing administration. It will have its first 20 users online by June.

The money saved will be reinvested in other areas, said Stephen Gowland, digital challenge programme director at Sunderland City Council.

“The project has been scoped on the back of public consultation ­ we want to deliver services to the community how and where they want to use them,”
he said.

“Savings will be used to assist other NHS users, allowing us to provide a service that other people need.”

The service is aimed at people who take anti-coagulation medication such as warfarin. Participants will use a portable blood testing device which feeds the data into a central system where it is measured against the information contained on the patient’s profile.

The user is informed by text, email or telephone whether the reading is normal, or if they need to change their dosage or make a hospital appointment.

Although the project is starting small, it is expected to take off quickly, said
Gowland.

The project is part of Sunderland’s wider initiative to improve social inclusion. Participants will no longer be restricted by regular doctor’s appointments.