Welsh telecare strategy will identify practical steps for service providers when upgrading to digital
A new telecare strategy for Wales has been launched that is set to provide a comprehensive guide to the digital migration changes ahead and what one major technology-enabled care (TEC) organisation will be doing to support the sector over the next 18 months.
TEC Cymru, Wales’ national platform to enable the sustainable use, scale-up, and spread of value-added technology-enabled healthcare across health and care, has launched its new Telecare Programme Strategy.
TEC Cymru’s earlier-published Discovery Report highlighted the need for a national telecare programme with standardised services and a clear plan toward migrating services to digital ahead of the December 2025 deadline, set by the UK telecommunications industry.
In response, the platform has unveiled its Telecare Programme Strategy 2022 which incorporates the latest industry learnings gained through its work with organisations across the sector.
It outlines what TEC Cymru will be doing to support Welsh ARCs (alarm-receiving centres) with digital migration over the next 18 months through a series of initiatives that will deliver the Blueprint and achieve the strategic outcomes, ultimately transforming the telecare landscape in Wales.
Aaron Edwards, National Telecare Programme Manager at TEC Cymru, said: “The time is now to build on the successes of the TEC Cymru Programmes thus far and begin the journey for Wales becoming a 100 percent digital telecare nation by the end of 2025.”
TEC Cymru will identify practical steps that Welsh telecare service providers should take when planning on upgrading to a digital ARC including the development of a model migration strategy.
Furthermore, the organisation is working with partners to develop a shared dataset that will build a better-informed understanding of telecare services and user needs across Wales, such as its collaboration with the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government.
“Our top priority remains to provide consultancy, support and advice to all 7 Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) in Wales in making the transition to digital connectivity (IP) by the end of 2023, ensuring vulnerable citizens in Wales can still generate alarm calls when required,” continued Aaron.
TEC Cymru’s Telecare Programme is also supporting Welsh councils that do not have an ARC by providing advice and guidance on the latest digital telecare products on the market.