The Minder device.

A new mobile health device linking patients and healthcare professionals any time, anywhere is set to reduce recovery times and hospital visits.

The pocket-sized ‘smart’ device has been developed by technology company Cambridge Consultants, based at the Cambridge Science Park.

Usually, a hospital visit is required to record data - such as blood pressure readings - into a patient’s electronic medical records.

But the Minder enables continuous data collection and transmission in real time via mobile phone networks.

“The rollout of ubiquitous health monitoring is gaining traction,” said Vaishali Kamat, group manager of medical technology at Cambridge Consultants.

“We are seeing an opportunity to drive a new market and lower healthcare costs via connected health solutions.”

The Minder also displays an interactive timed ‘to-do list’ that can be customised for individual patients.

A recovering heart attack victim, for example, can transmit their blood pressure readings from home to their health records in real time.

If the reading is high, the Minder can instantly alert a care provider who can have the patient carry out necessary steps by sending tasks back to the Minder. If the reading is on target, it could prevent an unnecessary hospital visit.