SOUTH West Surrey MP?Jeremy Hunt met the team leading a ground-breaking NHS technology study that aims to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.

The TIHM for dementia study, which is still recruiting participants from across Surrey and north east Hampshire, is led by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and funded by the Department of Health.

It uses new technologies that allow clinicians to remotely monitor the health and safety of people with dementia who live at home.

If a problem is identified an alert is triggered and clinicians will, if necessary, step in to offer support.

Mr Hunt met Dr Helen Rostill, director of innovation and development and Dr Ramin Nilforooshan, consultant psychiatrist, both from Surrey and Borders Partnership, and Payam Barnaghi, reader in machine intelligence at the University of Surrey, a key partner in the study.

The Health Secretary was given a tour of the TIHM for dementia ‘Living Lab’ at the university to see how technological devices placed in people’s homes collect and analyse information that is then remotely followed up by clinicians.

After his visit Mr Hunt told The Herald: “This is an exciting study that could provide the basis for a new way forward in supporting people with dementia and their carers.

“It’s good to see that the collaboration between Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the university is working so well and that people from across Surrey and North East Hampshire are getting involved in the study.”

Dr Rostill said: “We are delighted to have been able to showcase the TIHM for dementia study to Jeremy Hunt who was extremely positive about the work we are doing.”

To take part in the study, a person must be living in Surrey or north east Hampshire and have a diagnosis or mild to moderate dementia.

They should also have a carer who is willing to get involved. This can be a partner, relative, friend or paid carer.

To find out more about the study and sign up to take part, go to www.sabp.nhs.uk/tihm or call 01932 722247. Recruitment ends on Friday, October 13.