THE AGE-OLD question "Is there a doctor in the house?" can be answered with a resounding yes by Annette Andrews.

Mrs Andrews, 70, from Great Baddow, Chelmsford, has had a health monitoring device called Doc@Home installed in her home as part of a pioneering pilot scheme and the machine detected a cardiac problem.

"I already have a long-term heart condition, but the machine picked up an extra problem when my pulse rate dropped to a very low point," said Mrs Andrews.

"I felt dizzy, out of breath and thought I was going to suffer a heart block.

"The problem was picked up by the team who monitor the results from the machine and a nurse came out to see me.

"I had some extra tests and fortunately for me I had not suffered a heart block, but my medication was altered. I think the device is brilliant and really could be a life-saver."

It can monitor lots of things every day including oxygen levels, blood pressure, pulse, weight and can even carry out an electrocardiogram, a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.

She added: "It does make me feel reassured that someone is looking at the results and can take action if necessary.

"I am a former nurse myself so it has been a change for me to become a patient, but I would highly recommend the Doc@Home device.

"A lot of people moan about the NHS but if you have been through a lot of things you do appreciate it.

"The team looking after me are very good and I hope this scheme will pave the way towards helping other patients.

"It can cut down on the number of visits you have to make to the doctor or the hospital, but if there is a problem it is picked up quickly."

A total of 40 devices have been installed in the homes of patients by Carecall, which is part of the primary care trust, NHS Mid Essex.

The devices are being used in a pilot scheme to see how effective they are and to have feedback from patients with long-term health conditions.

Carecall manager Claire Aldridge said: "We are pleased with the feedback we have had so far, which has been very positive.

"It is the first time in this area that such technology has been used for a health initiative of this kind."