Scottish Borders Council Awarded Bronze Digital Telecare Implementation Award
We are delighted to confirm that Scottish Borders Council has been awarded the Bronze Digital Telecare Implementation Award in recognition of the progress they have made on their analogue to digital telecare transition project.
To achieve Bronze status through Route 2, a Telecare Service Provider must have successfully deployed digital-ready alarm devices to at least 50% of all dispersed and group alarm users. This is the first major milestone in the transition to digital telecare and sets the foundations upon which the rest of the digital telecare transition will rest.
Scottish Borders Council started their digital switchover project with only two technicians, providing an alarm service for over 1300 service users covering an area of 1827 sq. miles. In June 2024, the team welcomed an additional technician, helping them continue to provide their telecare service and support service users. Scottish Borders Council encountered many difficulties throughout their journey to the Bronze award including funding, equipment shortages, and telecom provider issues. However, the team worked hard to overcome these challenges, and they started actively installing alarms in November 2023. Currently, 61% of their clients have been upgraded to digital alarms.
Chris Myers, Joint Director / Chief Officer, Scottish Borders Health and Social Care Partnership and Integration Joint Board, said: “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Technology Enabled Care team and I’m delighted that the progress they have made with the transition of our service from analogue to digital has been recognised. Our community alarm and other digital telecare solutions provide a vital service for clients and family carers, and I know the team will continue to do everything they can to ensure everything is in hand ahead of the final switchover.
The accreditation also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to digital transformation and the potential this offers for improving services for people and communities across the Borders.”
Scottish Borders Council is progressing with their analogue to digital upgrade and aims to complete it well ahead of the deadline. Once their Alarm Receiving Centre, based in East Lothian Council, becomes fully digital, they are optimistic about achieving the Silver Digital Telecare Implementation Award in 2025
We extend our wholehearted congratulations to Scottish Borders Council and look forward to continuing to work with them as they progress towards the Silver Digital Telecare Implementation Award.
