8 July 2011

Hi.

After returning from speaking at the Hong Kong telecare conference the last two weeks have included two regional forum events and a further speaking event, this time in London.

The two regional events were the South West and Eastern forums. Both were well attended and some very good presentations. These will be on the TSA website, so please have a look. At both events discussions covered the changes to the Telecare Code of Practice on call handling requirements. Reaction has interestingly been mixed. While attendees at the South West forum welcomed TSA responding positively to member concerns, at the Eastern forum a couple of members considered the action taken had diluted the high standards of the Code.  As I stated at the AGM when the announcement was made, this was a decision taken in the light of member concerns and recognition of the current severe operational constraints some members are under. However, we will be reviewing the change in a year, and engaging with members for their views at that time. But, it has been interesting to see the mixed reaction.

On 5 July I was invited to be a panellist at a conference in Westminster Central Hall on promoting greater independence for individuals. Part of the day was given over the outcomes of the Dilnot report on paying for long term care, but part of the day when I spoke was about how technology could support greater independence.

Andrew Dilnot spoke on the recommendations set out in his report to the Government, and on the positive aspects of the fact that we are living longer. A cause for celebration, rather than references to the burden of an ageing population.

Dame Jo Williams (Chair, Care Quality Commission) spoke very strongly on the benefits of telecare and referred to the service she had visited being provided in Sunderland.

Again the message is being given about the benefits of telecare and telehealth.

Regards

Trevor Single