2024 Highlights Day 3: Milestones in the Analogue to Digital Telecare Programme

As we look back on 2024, the Analogue to Digital (A2D) Programme has achieved remarkable progress in its mission to transition telecare services into the digital era. This year marked several pivotal moments, from achieving significant digital switchover milestones to the introduction of new initiatives that will shape the future of telecare.

Digital Switchover Progress 

This year, the digital switchover reached an incredible milestone: 50% digitally capable connections. By July 2024, the total number of connections stood at 115,958, with:

• 50,740 analogue connections
• 65,218 digital-ready and digital end-to-end connections

Throughout the year, we sustained momentum with a 50-day countdown campaign designed to raise awareness and encourage participation in the switchover. As the year closes, the countdown leaves us with less than 400 days until the original deadline of December 2025.

Implementation Award Scheme: Recognising Excellence 

Telecare Service Providers (TSPs) have gone above and beyond in embracing the digital switchover, and the Digital Telecare Implementation Award Scheme reflects their exceptional progress. In 2024, we issued 21 awards, exceeding our expectations. 

Highlights include:

• Bronze: 20 awards (+7 from 2023)
• Silver: 11 awards (+2 from 2023)
• Gold 1: 10 awards (+5 from 2023)
• Gold 2: 8 awards (+5 from 2023)
• Platinum: 3 awards (+2 from 2023)

Notably, the Platinum award was re-launched this year to further incentivise excellence, with East Renfrewshire and South Ayrshire becoming the latest regions to achieve this milestone.

Enhancing Resources: The Digital Telecare Playbook 

The Digital Telecare Playbook remains a key resource for TSPs navigating their analogue-to-digital migration. This year saw upgrades, including:

1. Closure Phase: A new addition to the Management Pathway, aligning with the re-launch of the Platinum Implementation Award, to support TSPs completing their A2D projects.

2. New Pathways: 

• Data Pathway: Focused on leveraging data to optimise telecare services.
• Innovation Pathway: Aimed at future-proofing telecare systems and fostering proactive care solutions.

These updates are vital as we look beyond the switchover to embrace a smarter, more connected future for telecare.

Testing Alternative Digital Solutions 

Exploration and innovation remain at the heart of our programme. Our test case with Amazon Alexa and the CENSIS Connectivity Hub is a prime example, focusing on alternative digital solutions to enhance the quality of care. This project will continue into 2025, highlighting our commitment to driving innovation and exploring new possibilities. 

Visit the Digital Telecare Website to find out more about the Digitial Telecare Programme.