Remote monitoring

Your device automatically sends information to the Device Clinic via the app. as a secure message. This usually happens at night. The data is sent by your mobile network.

Physiologists in Device Clinic look at the information from a secure website. We usually only receive a message from your device if it needs to send us an alert (based on tolerances we have set). In some cases, we can perform a planned assessment of your device (‘virtual’ follow-up) using remote monitoring.

In many cases, alerts provide routine information and you do not need to do anything. We will not contact you routinely. However, we may contact you to check on symptoms or to ask about your medications. We will contact your General Practitioner or Consultant if there is anything that needs their attention.

Occasionally, Physiologists may need to see you in clinic to perform a full assessment or to reprogram your device. Device Clinic will contact you if they need to see you.

Plug in home monitors are provided by the manufacturer of your implanted device. It is your responsibility to look after it. From time to time, check the monitor is working, in good condition and ensure that it is plugged in.

Clean the monitor with a dry soft cloth and keep it away from water. Please report any faults to the manufacturer via their helpline. The hospital is not responsible for the maintenance of your monitor.

For app based remote monitoring, make sure your mobile phone is charged, that the app remains open and that Bluetooth remains switched on (you can check this in Settings).

No, remote monitoring can be useful but is not essential. It allows us to monitor your device in between clinic visits and act on any alerts. If you decide not to have a remote monitor you will be followed up regularly in Device Clinic.

We usually advise that your monitor is located in the room that you sleep in. A bedside table is ideal, preferably within 2 metres of your device.

Please set up the monitor or app. as advised by the Physiologist. If you have any problems setting up remote monitoring, please call the manufacturer’s helpline number (list at the end of this information).

Remote monitoring will not give you any information about the function of your implanted device. The lights (or display) on the monitor usually relate to its connection to the mobile network. It does not tell you your current health or device status.

Signal strength can vary in the same way as your mobile phone. If you have any concerns about the lights on your monitor, please call the manufacturer’s helpline number (list at the end of this information).

Your remote monitor can only communicate with your implanted device when you are close enough to it. When you are away from home, we recommend that you leave the monitor at home, plugged in, and any information will be sent to us when you return.

Your monitor or app will alert us if it is unable to communicate to your implanted device for more than 2 to 3 weeks. If this happens, we will contact you via a letter. If you are not near the monitor at the time it tries to send the information to us, it will simply try again later.

Physiologists from Device Clinic review the home monitoring website every working day (Monday to Friday). This excludes weekends and bank holidays.

Please be aware that your data is not reviewed at the time we receive it. If you feel unwell and are concerned about your symptoms, call NHS 111 or contact or attend your GP, or your nearest emergency healthcare service.

Remote monitoring provides information on how your device is working. It does not monitor your health status. This means it cannot tell us how you feel. If you are feeling unwell, you should seek the relevant medical attention.

After your device is implanted, you will receive an appointment to attend Device Clinic within 4 to 6 weeks. During this assessment, we will check your wound and make sure your device is working how it should be.

We will monitor your device by remote monitoring after this. However, you should attend Device Clinic when instructed by the Physiologists. This may be once every two years, or more frequently if needed.

Cardiac Device Suite

01709 424794
8am to 6pm

Cardiac Specialist Nurses

01709 427216

Cardiology Suite

01709 427670