The Department of Health has taken the wraps off the largest ever 'telecare' trial in the UK.

The £31m programme will cover 6,000 citizens and run for a minimum of two years.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said that the aim is to develop a national business case for the use of new technologies in the remote treatment of patients with complex health and social care needs.

The pilot will specifically explore the potential for tele-health devices for patients at risk of current or future hospital admission owing to diabetes, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The Whole System Demonstrator trial will kick off this week in Kent, Newham and Cornwall.

"Improving care with new scientific advances is vital if the NHS is to continue to offer the very best services, but this innovation must be at the frontline of the NHS to help people manage their conditions better themselves," said Johnson.

Claimed benefits include reductions in emergency admissions and dependence on care homes, with cost savings more than offsetting the cost of the initial investment in the technology.