CORONAVIRUS patients are to be monitored remotely from their own homes after the Tees Valley was chosen among three areas in the country to run a new pilot scheme, operated by the NHS Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group.

Covid-19 patients will be loaned an easy-to-use device called a pulse oximeter, which is attached to the end of their finger and monitors the level of oxygen in their blood. Patients will take their readings and then submit them via an app on their phone where local clinicians will monitor them and advise if further support is needed.

Blood oxygen level is regarded as a good way to monitor how people’s lungs are coping with coronavirus and used as a measure to determine when additional help is needed. Patients who need the help of a hospital are easier to treat and get better faster if they are identified as soon as they start to deteriorate – falling oxygen levels are probably the best way to detect this.

These ‘virtual wards’ should ease pressure on hospital services at a time when new Covid-19 cases have been climbing across Teesside ahead of a potential second wave of the virus.

Dr Simon Stockley, medical director of Hartlepool and Stockton GP Federation, said: “This is an exciting project that will allow us to embrace digital technology to support and care for patients who have tested positive or have symptoms of Covid-19. Patients will be monitored remotely from the comfort of their own homes, with clinical processes in place to ensure this is done safely and that people are getting the care and advice they need should their condition deteriorate.”

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over the impact of alcohol consumption on the increasing rate of Covid-19 in Hartlepool, although councillors stated young people should not be blamed.

In the seven days up to September 6 health chiefs said there had been 40 new Covid-19 cases in Hartlepool, and 55 cases in the past 14 days, both higher than the national averages.

Hartlepool Borough Council health bosses said the rise coincides with an increase in young people between the ages of 18 and 35 testing positive for coronavirus.

Councillors on the audit and governance committee said young people cannot be blamed for the rise in cases, adding a variety of groups and organisations need to take responsibility.