Health & Social Care Moray (HSCM) has been recognised nationally for the significant progress made in upgrading its community alarm service from analogue to digital technology.
The partnership has achieved the Gold Level One Digital Telecare Implementation Award from Digital Telecare for Scottish Local Government, after reaching key milestones in modernising systems, processes, and services in line with new digital standards.
Community alarms provide a 24/7 lifeline for around 1,500 people across Moray, supporting them to continue living as independently as possible at home and providing reassurance for families.
The transition from analogue to digital ensures that the essential service will remain safe and reliable as the UKโs telephone networks switch fully to digital by January 2027 and will also create opportunities to enhance technology-enabled support for residents.
As part of HSCMโs analogue to digital programme, community alarms are being reprogrammed or replaced with digital-ready devices to ensure secure connection to the new digital Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) hosted by Aberdeen City Council. The ARC, which went live in July, manages calls from telecare customers across Moray, Aberdeenshire, and Aberdeen.
Achieving Gold Level One status required HSCM to evidence a fully operational ARC and the roll out a live digital telecare service to at least 20% of people with a community alarm. This builds on the bronze and silver award milestones in the analogue to digital transition.
Dennis Robertson, Co-Chair of Moray Integration Joint Board which governs the work of HSCM, said: โTelecare is a vital service, enabling older adults and vulnerable people in our communities to raise an alarm at the touch of a button, and giving peace of mind to their families.
โThis award is a tremendous achievement, demonstrating the hard work of our skilled staff team and their dedication to making sure people in Moray continue to benefit from a safe and reliable telecare support as we progress towards a fully digital service.โ
Judith Proctor, HSCM Chief Officer, said: โReaching this milestone has been a real team effort. I want to thank everyone involved in the digital programme, particularly colleagues at the Joint Equipment Store whose hard work has been crucial in ensuring the smooth transition. This achievement gives us a strong platform to build on as we embrace the wider opportunities of technology-enabled care.โ
The next phase of HSCMโs digital transition sees the continuation of work with the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) ย to test innovative technology providing opportunities to support peopleโs independence at home.
