TEC team tuned in to the here and now

The Lanarkshire Technology Enabled Care (TEC) team, who are hosted by South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, beat off competition from across the UK to win the digital transformation category of The MJ Awards.

The team demonstrated how they have supported health and social care professionals to meet a diverse spectrum of health and care needs with a raft of ‘Telehealth’ and ‘Telecare’ solutions.

This has ranged from remote monitoring using text message to assistive technology such as sensors linked to community alarms helping people live safely and well at home.

The TEC team have also recently been in the public eye for their pivotal role in the Covid-19 emergency response.

They rapidly scaled up Near Me video conferencing to keep people across Lanarkshire safely connected to health and care services.

Although the nomination that led to victory was submitted in January, before the pandemic, the judges recognised the team’s long-established commitment to working across a diverse partnership environment – whilst always keeping the patient at the heart of what they do.

Morag Hearty, NHS Lanarkshire TEC programme manager, said: “The health and care landscape has changed significantly since the turn of the year with technology becoming an ever prominent feature of the ‘new normal’.

“What’s always shone through in the team is not only their expert knowledge of ‘tomorrow’s world technology’ but, critically, a very down-to-earth, human approach tuned in to the here and now.

“Our wider team, for example, are combined of professionals from NHS and local authority working toward a shared goal. They have forged strong partner relationships and work cheek and jowl with GPs, hospitals, social work, community staff and third sector voluntary groups.

“Crucially, the team never lose sight of the end user. The type of technology we use can help reduce the need for traditional appointments, avoiding unnecessary travel, work or carer time and costs while maximising independence.

“Covid-19, of course, has changed the way how partner organisations deliver services and appointments may feel different.

“Whilst not in any way replacing health and care professionals, technology has enabled us to securely and efficiently continue with service delivery - and keep people connected when connection to health and care has been needed most.”