Upgrading The London Borough of Haringey’s Residents’ TECS to Digital

1​4 March 2025

Project Overview

In a groundbreaking initiative, Red Alert Telecare (RA) and the London Borough of Haringey (Haringey) collaborated to upgrade analogue technology-enabled care (TEC) systems to digital solutions for approximately 1,200 residents. This partnership aimed to ensure that older people and vulnerable adults were not left behind by outdated technology while also demonstrating the potential of innovative solutions to enhance technology-enabled care. The project not only addressed immediate needs but also set a precedent for future advancements in the sector.

"Their expertise and professionalism was key in developing and delivering the programme" - Caroline Humphrey, Head of Service Improvement and Development, Haringey Council.

Objectives

Upgrade Equipment - The primary objective was to transition 1200 service users from outdated analogue telecare systems to modern digital solutions by the end of 2024. This upgrade was not just critical due to the impending digital switchover, but essential to ensure that service users could benefit from the latest technology, which offers improved reliability, functionality, and safety features.

Avoid Disruption - It was crucial to carry out the upgrades whilst avoiding disruption to the daily lives of the residents. This meant careful planning and execution to ensure that the transition was smooth and that any inconvenience was kept to an absolute minimum.

Innovative Solutions - Given the financial constraints faced by public services, particularly in health and social care, the project needed to offer innovative solutions that balanced high quality with cost- effectiveness. This involved selecting the best digital equipment and ensuring compatibility with existing systems.

Challenges

Scheduling - Coordinating appointments and installations for a large number of service users within a tight timeframe was a major challenge. Effective scheduling was essential to keep the project on track and meet the deadline.

E​quipment Supply - The project faced initial challenges with stock shortages from equipment suppliers. This required proactive management and leveraging of existing networks to secure the necessary components without causing delays.

Solutions and Strategies

N​etwork Lever - Red Alert and Haringey utilised their extensive network to overcome equipment supply issues. By leveraging relationships with suppliers, we were able to secure the necessary components and ensure a steady flow of equipment, preventing delays.

Expert Scheduling - The team’s expertise in scheduling and project management played a crucial role in keeping the project on track. We developed a detailed plan to coordinate appointments and installations, ensuring that the upgrades were completed efficiently and within the set timeframe.

Transparency - Red Alert provided Haringey with access to real-time project data through an operational dashboard in Power BI, allowing for immediate identification of issues and informed discussion. This transparency was crucial in maintaining trust among all stakeholders and ensuring that the project stayed on track.

Collaborative Approach - The project was a testament to the power of collaboration between Red Alert and the London Borough of Haringey. This partnership enabled both organisations to work together effectively, addressing challenges as they arose and ensuring the project’s success. This collaborative approach set a precedent for future digital upgrade projects.

Supply Chain Resilience - Red Alert and Haringey boasts an exceptional relationship with a global network of TECS suppliers and were able to leverage this network to effortlessly navigate any stock shortages or challenges in sourcing direct technical equivalents. Red Alert could also provide equipment as a supplier in their own right and was able to offer this service.

Collaborative Approach

Strategic Planning - Red Alert and Haringey facilitated clear communication and swift decision-making by meeting twice a week. These regular meetings allowed for the continuous assessment of progress and the prompt resolution of any issues that arose.

Operational Efficiency - The parties coordinated appointments, recorded on-road activities, and tracked progress, ensuring a streamlined workflow. This meticulous approach to project management ensured that all tasks were completed efficiently and effectively.

Transparent Monitoring - Haringey accessed realtime project data through an operational dashboard in Power BI, allowing for immediate identification of issues and informed discussion. This transparency was crucial in maintaining trust among all stakeholders and ensuring that the project stayed on track.

Outcomes

Successful Upgrades - All eligible users were successfully upgraded to digital telecare systems within budget. The remaining users were no longer using the service for various reasons, highlighting the project's effectiveness in data cleansing.

Acclaim and Recognition - The project received acclaim from both the London Borough of Haringey and the TECS Services Association (TSA). This recognition underscored the innovative and efficient approach taken by Red Alert and highlighted the project’s success in setting a new standard for digital telecare upgrades.

Industry Precedent - This project has set a new standard for how digital telecare upgrades should be conducted. It showcased the importance of collaboration, meticulous planning, and adaptability, providing a model for other organisations to follow in future projects.

100% of eligible TEC upgrades were carried out on time and within budget.

Enhanced Safety & Reliability - Modernised digital devices offered stronger connectivity, improved battery life, and enhanced service transparency features, giving service users greater peace of mind. These improvements were particularly important for vulnerable individuals who relied on TEC for their safety and well-being.

Tailored Solutions - By matching the right equipment to each individual’s needs, the partnership ensured that residents received solutions best suited to their daily lives. This personalised approach maximised the effectiveness of the TEC services provided.

Inclusive Transition - Clear communication with residents, swift installations, and user-friendly devices helped people adapt with confidence and reduced anxiety around change. The partnership’s commitment to minimising disruption was evident in their careful planning and execution of the transition process.

The project delivered significant benefits, confirming the value of strategic partnership working in TEC.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Red Alert and Haringey Council showcases how purposeful engagement, transparency, and shared expertise can transform TEC services for the benefit of vulnerable communities.

The trust, understanding, and confidence built in this partnership—alongside quantifiable results—demonstrate the remarkable potential of TEC to raise care standards, encourage independence, and positively impact wider networks in health, housing, and social care. This case study serves as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in driving innovation and improving outcomes in the technology-enabled care sector.

Testimonials

Thank You

Contact James Batchelor, Operations Director at

james.batchelor@redalertuk.com for more information