Feb 12, 2025

The UK’s transition from analogue to digital telecare marks a significant step forward in modernising health and social care. The government’s Telecare National Action Plan provides a strong foundation to ensure that no one is left behind in this transition. However, delivering on this vision will require close collaboration between telecom providers, local authorities, TEC providers, and healthcare organisations.

At Tunstall, we have supported customers through similar transitions in other markets, and we know that partnership is key to success. A well-managed transition can bring enormous benefits, empowering more people to live independently, reducing pressures on hospitals, and enabling more proactive approaches to care.

To achieve this, there are key areas that require continued focus and coordination:

• Ensuring digital infrastructure is ready so telecare services remain reliable throughout the switchover.
• Supporting service providers and local authorities with the right funding mechanisms to help manage the transition smoothly.
• Developing shared standards for interoperability so digital telecare solutions integrate effectively across networks and providers.
• At Tunstall, we are actively supporting this journey. We no longer manufacture analogue-only telecare devices in the UK, and we are working closely with service providers, the Telecare Services Association (TSA), and policymakers to help ensure a smooth transition.

The potential of digital telecare is significant. Our experience in other countries shows that proactive and predictive technology can help reduce emergency callouts, prevent hospital admissions, and extend independent living. In Spain, for example, proactive telecare has contributed to:

• 54% fewer emergency calls
• 36% reduction in ambulance mobilisations
• 8.6 more months of independent living at home

This shift from reactive to proactive care is a crucial opportunity for the UK. Our latest report, Who Cares and Who Pays? explores how we can work together to make this transition a success, ensuring that telecare remains a reliable, future-proofed service for all who rely on it.

The Telecare National Action Plan is a great step forward, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a successful, inclusive, and well-supported transition to digital.

Earlier this year we published a short report discussing three key principles of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, Hospital to Community, Analogue to Digital, Reactive to Proactive and key recommendations on how to achieve these pillars based upon international expertise.

Our latest report explores how digital telecare can:

✔ Reduce hospital admissions

✔ Support independent living

✔ Ease pressure on care services

But who funds the transition, and how do we ensure fair access? Advancing Technology Enabled Care - A short report by Tunstall