This is a new initiative which has been developed because the Department of Health (DH) believes that at least three million people with long term conditions and/or social care needs could benefit from the use of telehealth and telecare services. Implemented effectively as part of a whole system redesign of care, telehealth and telecare can alleviate pressure on long term NHS costs and improve people's quality of life through better self-care in the home setting. On 19th January 2012, Paul Burstow, Minister for Care Services committed to work with industry, to support the NHS, social care and professional partners in 3millionlives in order to achieve this level of change.