It is just a simple text message, but it plays a vital role in the life of a mental health patient in Stoke.

Cheryl receives messages twice a day to remind her to take her medication.

And that basic use of technology is enabling the once suicidal 36-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent to stay out of residential care and get back on her feet.

She is utilising the telehealth service operated by North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust.

The trust is the first in the country to adopt assistive technology for use in mental health services.

Two years ago she was in a council-run residential care home in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, called The Hollies, which caters for mental health patients and people with learning disabilities.

But, with the help of telehealth, Cheryl has now been able to move into the nearby Hillcrest Hostel, which provides rehabilitation for adults with mental illness.

She says: " used to live in Devon where I was diagnosed with depression, personality disorder, and suicidal thoughts around 1987.

"I had hit rock bottom and started taking overdoses to try to kill myself.

"I was on drugs and drink and it got to the point where I had had enough."

Fortunately, three years ago, Cheryl was able to turn to her sister Julie for help.

"She came and picked me up but, with me being ill and Julie having five children, it was difficult for her to look after me."

A planned family holiday to France resulted in Cheryl, who has a son she is not in contact with, becoming "panicky and paranoid".

She was admitted to The Hollies for a week of respite care but ended up staying for around nine months.

But a combination of telehealth and a general improvement in her condition led to Cheryl making the all-important move to the hostel last year.

She adds: "When I went into Hillcrest I was scared to death, but they were able to help me with things.

"I am 100% better, which is helped by the text messages."

Texts are sent twice a day by community psychiatric nurse care coordinator Donna Cantrell to remind her to take her medication.

Adds Cheryl: "I used to get confused and either take too many pills or not take any at all.

"That wasn’t helping my condition, but now in the morning and at night I get text messages from Donna to remind me to take my medicine.

"I will then text her back saying ‘Morning Donna, meds again’, or ‘Night Donna, see you tomorrow’.

It’s very nice to have this contact because you know you are not alone."

Donna, who also sends texts to notify Cheryl of appointments, said: "Residential care was felt to be the most suitable placement for her.

"But we reassessed her rehabilitation needs and introduced her to telehealth, and she is now living independently. While she’s taking her medication her mental health condition remains stable.

"It does have a massive impact and it’s just fantastic and lovely to see her improve."

Note (5 March 2012): Due to the huge success of the scheme, Cheryl is now discharged from mental health services and is living fully independently in the community.

Due for review March 2013

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