There’s a major change coming to the way we make landline phone calls in the UK but don’t be alarmed about the big switchover
WITH THE SWITCH, IT’S ESSENTIAL THAT TELECARE USERS MAKE SURE THEIR ALARM EQUIPMENT WILL CONTINUE TO WORK
DO you use a telecare alarm system to make sure help is always on hand should you need it?
Or does your parent, relative or friend have a telecare system that enables them to live independently, but safe in the knowledge that assistance is only the push of a button away?
Around 4,000 older people across the KCOM network enjoy the peace of mind of being connected to a telecare service - which means they can easily ask for help at any time should they have a fall or need extra assistance, simply by pressing the button on a worn pendant.
But with the switch from the old copper phone network to the new digital fibre one, which is happening across Hull and
East Yorkshire over the next two years, it’s essential that telecare users make sure their alarm equipment will continue to work.
That’s why KCOM is working closely with Hull City Council,
East Riding Council and its community and charity partners, including Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire, Hull CVS and HEY Smile Foundation, to reassure customers and ensure a smooth transition.
Louise Babych, KCOM’S community partner, said: “It’s a really collaborative, joined-up approach.”
“Our partners are supporting us at events, and we’re working really closely with the Hull City Council and East Riding Council Lifeline, Neighbourhood and Housing teams to educate the local community on what the switchover means for them.”
“We’ll be notifying the relevant council teams, as well as telecare providers, when we’ll be working in a particular area so they can also visit the user to check they’re happy.”
“One of our primary concerns during the switchover is ensuring older and vulnerable customers are looked after and not disadvantaged in any way. KCOM offers telecare manufacturers the opportunity to test their services on our network to ensure they can provide customers with the best possible service following the switch.”
“Customers are advised to contact their telecare service providers, often the local council, to make sure their telecare alarm will operate once the switch takes place. Every single vulnerable customer within our area will receive an engineer home visit as part of the switchover, who will ensure everything works before they leave, so no one is left unprotected.”
Yorkshire-based Tunstall Healthcare pioneered the use of technology to enable people to get help in an emergency in 1957 and has since grown to become a global provider of telecare alarm systems.
It is now working with telecoms companies across the UK which are in the process of upgrading their landline networks to fibre.
Tunstall’s Kevin Avery said:
“It’s been a pleasure working with KCOM to make sure people can continue to rely on their telecare service, and it’s been great to see that KCOM is going above and beyond to raise awareness of what’s happening.”
“This is one of the biggest changes to be implemented in the telecoms sector to date, and it’s so important that people double check with their supplier that their telecare alarms will continue to work on the new digital network. We’ve been working in the KCOM lab to test our equipment and ensure compatibility, but it’s still important for users to be aware of the move to digital and get reassurance from their provider.”
If you would like to talk to one of the KCOM community team in person, they will be at Beverley Market on Saturday, May 20 and at the Chatty Bus in Queen Victoria Square, Hull on Tuesday, June 14. For more details about the phone landline big switchover and how it may affect you visit www.kcom.com/switchover.
For more information about Hull City Council’s
Telecare services visit www.hull.gov.uk/support-adults/ disabled-adults/telecare.
For more information about East Riding Council’s Telecare services visit www.eastriding.gov.uk/living/ care-and-support-for-adults/ help-to-live-at-home.