As the UK-wide switch from analogue to digital phone networks is rolled out, Health & Social Care Moray (HSCM) is investing in an upgrade to its telecare service to ensure people with community alarms can continue to summon urgent help.
From mid-July, alarm calls from Morayโs 1,467 telecare clients will begin routing through a new digital Alarm Receiving Centre hosted by Aberdeen City Council on behalf of Moray and Aberdeenshire.
Sean Coady, Head of Service and Deputy Chief Officer of HSCM, said: โWith the national changeover from analogue to digital phone lines, itโs vital no one gets left behind. Weโre pleased to be working with our partners in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen to launch this new digital platform for handling telecare alerts, which will mean faster, more secure connections and greater reliability.
โBy investing in a digital platform, weโre not only maintaining this essential service but also laying the foundation to keep pace with advances in digital technology which will play an increasing role in supporting people to stay well and live as independently as possible.โ
Telecare includes equipment such as community alarms, which enable people to call for help at the push of a button in an emergency, such as a fall. Itโs widely used by older people, those with disabilities, and people with significant health conditions, ย offering peace of mind for both the individual and their families.
Health & Social Care Moray is currently working to manage the complex technical and administrative tasks involved in the digital migration.
Over 700 telecare clients will require an in-person visit from an HSCM technician to reprogramme their existing alarm unit. If the current equipment cannot be reprogrammed, it will be replaced with a new digital unit. The telecare team is also checking for any issues caused by individual phone settings โ such as withheld caller ID โ and ongoing mobile network changes.
People and families are reminded of the importance of carrying out regular test calls to check their connecting to the alarm receiving centre.
To allow staff to prioritise existing telecare clients and ensure they remain safely connected, new community alarm referrals will be limited to high-risk emergencies only until the end of October 2025.
In the meantime, anyone considering a community alarm will be guided by HSCM staff to explore alternative options available for purchase that connect directly to a family member or friend. These can offer additional features and are often more flexible and cost-effective, depending on individual needs.
A guide to some of these options is available on the telecare section of the Moray Council website: www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_53754.html
Mr Coady added: โWeโre very grateful for the communityโs patience and understanding during this essential upgrade. We would also encourage people with an alarm to continue carrying out regular test calls to check their equipment is working as it should.โ
