Bridgend County Borough Council has become the first authority in Wales to successfully complete a digital switchover of its emergency telecare alarm calls for nearly 3,000 local residents.
An investment of more than £1 million in a ‘Technology Enhanced Care and Telecare’ programme enabled the authority together with partners Bridgend Care and Repair and Galw Cymru to facilitate a seamless switchover from analogue to digital and support vulnerable people to remain at home and promote independence.
Positive feedback received from telecare users has shown that the service is now more inclusive; a greater number of clients have access to telecare as no landline is required, and the unit can be placed anywhere in their house. The call quality has improved and is now clearer when contacting the alarm receiving centre. Greater scope to utilize different equipment and wearable technology are benefits too.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Jane Gebbie, said: “The completion of the digital switchover for our telecare clients is a key milestone for the authority and improves the reliability and efficiency of telecare services, ensuring that vulnerable residents receive a faster and more responsive level of support.
“The success of this switchover has also provided the foundation to moving forward with technological developments to support our services.
“Thank you to our partner organisations for their ongoing support in successfully delivering a safe and seamless transfer of nearly 3,000 service users from analogue to digital.”
Angharad Evans, Telecare and TEC developer said: “I am pleased that we were able to deliver this technology to residents to ensure their safety was maintained. By being the first local authority in Wales to achieve the successful switch to digital shows a determination and commitment in delivering technology enabled care in the community to help improve lives.”
News provided by:
Huw David
County Borough Councillor for Pyle, Kenfig Hill & Cefn Cribwr
Tel: 07890 399742
