The new cross-border initiative will allow older people to access technology to aid their treatment
A new European-funded project has been launched to help older people struck by illness to live independently.
mPower aims to support elderly patients who are fighting long term conditions to take control of their conditions at home by using technology, while simultaneously freeing up GPs and other healthcare professionals so that they can treat more people.
The project - which covers Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland - was launched at an event at Murrayfield Stadium this morning (Thursday).
mPower - a partnership which consists of public and third sector bodies including the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and NHS Dumfries & Galloway - aims to introduce new digital tools to create connected, personalised care in homes and local communities.
With 80% of all GP consultations relating to long term conditions, and a third of these visits deemed not to be medically required, the project is designed to provide technology which can assist the health and wellbeing of patients, including connecting people to local activities and services for people affected by their conditions.
mPower project manager Alan Connor said: “I’m delighted we have now launched the mPower project. Around 66% of people in Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland will have one or more long term conditions by the age of 65, so promoting self-care at home is an important step in alleviating the pressure the health service faces, while enabling people to better manage their conditions. It’s great to bring our partners together today and I think we’re all excited to see the difference mPower could make to the future of health care.”
Shona Robison, cabinet secretary for health and sport, was among those at the launch. She said: “This is an important project and it is particularly appropriate to announce it at an event that promotes cross-border collaboration.
“The mPower initiative illustrates how people can interact with digital technology to support and manage their health and wellbeing and it is crucial we look to innovation as we design a health and social care system that is fit for the changing needs of a 21st century Scotland.”
