- People living with motor neuron disease will benefit from a world-first NHS clinical trial using innovative remote monitoring technology, helping them to access breathing support from home
- Led by the University of Sheffield in partnership with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the government-funded trial will test the real-world benefits of remotely monitoring and adjusting portable ventilators used by MND patients across 12 areas of England
- As winter approaches, these digital services will also help keep people out of busy hospitals, unless necessary, and support the NHS in delivering safe, high-quality care in the community
- MND is a progressive disease that affects the nerves controlling movement, resulting in muscle weakness and symptoms such as difficulties swallowing, speaking and breathing
People living with motor neurone disease (MND) will benefit from a world first NHS clinical trial using innovative remote monitoring tech, helping them to access breathing support from home.
The government-funded trial, led by University of Sheffield in partnership with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will be the first to test the real-world benefits of remotely monitoring and adjusting portable ventilators used by MND patients across 12 areas of England.
MND is a progressive disease that affects the nerves controlling movement, resulting in muscle weakness and symptoms such as difficulties swallowing, speaking and breathing.
Respiratory therapy via non-invasive ventilation is currently the only treatment proven to extend life and improve quality of life in MND whilst also alleviating symptoms of breathing problems. The new trial seeks to build the evidence needed to expand access to this life-changing technology for the 5,000 people living with MND across the UK.
As winter approaches, these digital services will also help keep people out of busy hospitals, unless necessary, and support the NHS in delivering safe, high-quality care in the community.
Dr Esther Hobson, Senior Lecturer in Neurology at the University of Sheffield and Honorary Consultant Neurologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We're 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. We're especially interested in the experiences of people who find it hard to access NHS care to make sure everyone can get the benefits.
"It's really exciting in Sheffield to be leading this UK-wide study looking at how we can bring care to people living with MND closer to their homes."
This announcement coincides with the launch of dozens of new pilot schemes across England which will introduce remote monitoring and self-reporting tools via the NHS App to help patients share updates on their health directly with specialists.
The government's push to bring in more remote monitoring will enable patients to share key health information, such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, or other symptoms, without the need to travel for an in-person appointment.
This approach makes care more convenient, allows clinicians to detect changes early, reduces pressure on hospitals, and frees up time for staff to see patients who need in-person care the most.
Insights from these projects will help inform the wider rollout of remote monitoring across all long-term conditions, pledged by the government in its Elective Reform Plan. Once fully implemented, this initiative is expected to free up around 500,000 appointments each year, helping patients to be seen by specialists faster.
Ian Eardley, National Clinical Director for Elective Care at NHS England, said: "Right across the country, the NHS is harnessing the latest technology to ensure people can get the care they need more quickly and conveniently, and closer to home.
"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."
Many of the pilot schemes will focus on five key specialisms where the technology can make the biggest difference: ear, nose, and throat (ENT); gastroenterology; respiratory medicine; urology; and cardiology.
In many cases, patients will be able to complete digital forms and questionnaires via the NHS App rather than attending hospital, unless clinically necessary. Others with long-term conditions will be able to have routine tests carried out locally, with hospital specialists reviewing results remotely.
Sally Hughes, Director of Services and Partnerships at the MND Association, said: "Motor neuron disease can weaken the muscles needed for breathing, meaning many people with MND will rely on ventilation support. For people using non-invasive ventilation, regular monitoring and timely intervention are crucial to help prevent complications and maintain a better quality of life. Increased support and digital monitoring will make it easier for people with MND to choose to receive expert care from the comfort of their own homes - reducing the burden of travel and helping them live better for longer."
The expansion of remote monitoring across NHS trusts is the latest step in the government's plan to modernise the health service.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: "Patients expect care fit for the 21st century and that's what I'm determined to deliver. This is a government that puts the NHS and patients first as our record investment in the service shows.
"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.
"Through innovative approaches like this and NHS Online - which will digitally connect patients to expert clinicians anywhere in England - we are building a smarter NHS all while easing pressures on busy hospitals and stretched staff."
