Regional Collaboration

There are a number of organisations/agencies that need to work together within local authority areas to ensure that effective telecare services are developed, including: Social Services, Housing, Supporting People, Registered Social Landlords, Local Health Board, NHS Trust, Ambulance Service, Fire Service, Out of Hours GP service, Voluntary sector and service user groups.

There are also benefits in considering how collaborative working across authority areas can build upon local initiatives, and contribute to improved telecare services and efficient use of resources.  In North Wales the six local authority areas are exploring the potential benefits via a regional project.

The main areas where regional collaboration is likely to be beneficial are:

• Common standards for telecare services e.g. referral, assessment, equipment, monitoring & response services and charging. A common standard of service across North Wales would avoid the ‘post code lottery’ and provide a common pathway where hospitals cover more than one local authority area. This would also avoid the need for each area to have to develop its own systems and protocols.

• Shared response services - There is the potential to develop a shared or reciprocal service between authority areas where travelling times mean that the neighbouring response service can respond sooner.

• Procurement of equipment, installation and maintenance services. The majority of equipment will be purchased via the PASA framework, which may enable access to volume based discounts if joint procurement is undertaken. There is also equipment that is not available under the PASA framework, which could be purchased using  a consortium approach to obtain discounts.

• Training and awareness raising - cost savings and a consistent approach to assessing for and prescribing telecare can be achieved. There is also potential for shared demonstration houses/facilities.

• Regional call centres, currently there are 5 community alarms call centres across North Wales, fulfilling similar functions. Some call centres will require further investment to meet the required standards to operate a full telecare service. One or two call centres could be developed to provide sufficient capacity to cover all of North Wales.