Stockport Homes, Virgin Media O2, TSA enhance Digital Voice switchover telecare
As the shutdown of traditional landline telephone services in the UK gains momentum, efforts are increasing to identify customers in most need of assistance with the transition.
The Digital Voice switchover is the gradual wind down and decommission of the PSTN network – Britain’s century-spanning, copper-wired phone system, parts of which were created in the late-Victorian age.
Stockport Homes, which delivers housing on behalf of Stockport Council, has now entered a new partnership with Virgin Media O2 and the Technology Enabled Care [TEC] Services Association. The aim is to develop, trial and refine new ways for the telecoms industry to work with housing associations, local authorities, healthcare providers and more. This includes the delivery of enhanced services including:
*Introduction of a secure data sharing agreement between the Council, Association and Virgin Media O2
*Joint visits to homes to support customers and ensure all equipment is ready for the switchover
*Combining resources to improve communications and engagement
‘Carecall are delighted to have been chosen to take part in this telecare pilot programme. Having this pilot take place right here in Stockport is a tremendous opportunity, allowing us to ensure our services are fully prepared for the digital future whilst remaining deeply connected to our local community,’ said Eva Holt, Head of Independent Living at Stockport Homes’ support service, Carecall.
‘This is just one of many initiatives Carecall has undertaken to ensure a seamless transition during the switchover and it highlights our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation for the safety and wellbeing of our customers,’ she continued.
The trial, which began in July, has now seen more than 80% of targeted telecare customers in the Stockport metropolitan borough make the switch to Digital Voice voluntarily. When all appointments currently booked in for future dates are taken into account, this rises to over 95%.
The Greater Manchester authority’s partnership will then be used to guide further trials with housing associations and councils across the country, with the potential for a nationwide rollout at a later date.
A Telecare Charter has also been proposed by Virgin Media and the TSA to ensure responsibilities and requirements are understood by all providers, although currently four in five councils that have been approached have failed to respond.
Last year, BT, Virgin Media O2, Sky and TalkTalk all agreed to stop switching customers to Digital Voice services unless they had already guaranteed telecare support could work with the new technology. This followed widespread criticism after many vulnerable people were effectively cut off when transitioned without compatible devices being installed into their homes.
‘Over two million people in the UK rely on telecare services to live independent lives and our sector is very concerned about the impact of power failures on digital landlines,’ said Alyson Scurfield, Chief Executive Officer at TSA. ‘Our prime goal is to support older and disabled people as their landlines change from analogue to digital and that’s why we’re working closely with Virgin Media O2 and Carecall.
‘We’re creating a blueprint for safe, smooth, speedy digital migration that can be adopted by other housing associations, local authorities, care providers and telecoms providers. We’re also developing guidance, training and quality standards that can support this best-practice migration process,’ she continued.
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Birmingham and Solihull ICB rollout digital social prescribing
Image: Virgin Media O2
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