Yorkshire Ambulance Service Launches Telecare Scheme
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust has joined forces with Welbeing, a leading national telecare provider, to launch a subscriber scheme to deliver telecare assistance to people living in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Called Independant™, the 24/7 pendant alarm telecare service carries a small weekly charge and provides help and support for users at the push of a button, particularly if they find themselves in a difficult or crisis situation. A dedicated team will be alerted to respond to calls for help from subscribers and they will arrange for the most appropriate health/social care or advice to be provided to them.
The Trust’s decision to enter the telecare market was based on complementing its existing services for the public in an area where it has expertise responding to emergency situations and providing appropriate care and referrals to health and social care partners. The scheme forms part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to provide the right care in the right place, first time.
Commenting on the initiative, Rod Barnes, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “This service is designed to ensure users feel safe and secure in their own home and it provides reassurance to their families and carers. When people find themselves in a difficult situation, for example when they have fallen, this service will provide the support they need. Health-related calls can be channelled through the Clinical Hub in our Emergency Operations Centre and our clinical staff will be able to assess a patient’s needs and arrange for the right help or advice to be given. “The service uses the latest technology and draws upon our vast experience of responding to emergencies. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Welbeing, a well-respected independent provider of telecare and telehealth services in the UK. “It’s important to note that all income generated from this initiative will be put back into patient services for the benefit of everyone living in the region.” Chief Executive at Welbeing, Steve Smith, said: “We are delighted to be working with YAS, the first ambulance service to launch a pay scheme in partnership with a private provider. If someone has a fall or is in any way anxious at home, they can press the red button and get straight through to the Welbeing team who will assess what action is needed to help them, whether that’s to call an ambulance or simply contact a friend or member of the family.
“The red pendant is certainly the best known device that we offer to our customers but is just one of many types of technology that help people live at home securely. Friends and family also benefit from peace of mind knowing their loved ones are always just a touch of a button away from help if they need it.”
Anyone wanting more information should visit www.yourindependant.co.uk