Northern Ireland is leading the way in developing new technologies to help people with chronic conditions live independently at home.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey and Economy Minister Nigel Dodds have announced the establishment of a 'European Centre for Connected Health' in Northern Ireland at the Connected Health Conference in the Waterfront in Belfast. The new Centre will take forward the introduction of new technologies to offer a better quality of life to people with long-term conditions such as diabetes or respiratory diseases.

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The Health Minister also announced a further major boost for people with chronic conditions with the news that by 2011 at least 5,000 people in Northern Ireland will have access to a remote monitoring service for their conditions.

In addition, he said that a new system will be introduced to eliminate X-rays.

McGimpsey said: "The European Centre for Connected Health, based here in Northern Ireland, will focus on developing the region as a connected health economy, introducing new technologies and working closely with the health and social care system to deliver this.

"By embracing the concept of Connected Health and applying the technology of today to improve our services, we will also sow the seeds for the different kinds of services our communities will require to meet their needs tomorrow."

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds said Northern Ireland is a prime location for life science businesses, due to our 'unique combination' of fresh talent and world-class research capabilities.

(GK/JM)