Buying Solutions' new Telecare, Telehealth and Telecoaching framework agreement covers a wide range of products and services, and builds on the success of the previous arrangement let by NHS PASA.

The framework agreement provides public sector organisations with access to electronic devices to monitor and improve the health, safety and quality of life of often very vulnerable members of society. Treatment can take place in the home, reducing the need for many otherwise routine GP or hospital visits, making a positive contribution to front line services.

Assistive Technologies:

- help local authorities to ensure that their elderly / vulnerable residents are cared for / monitored within their own homes
- improve the lives of vulnerable people
- reduces the need for routine GP and hospital visits

Products include items such as personal alarms, fall detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, blood glucose monitors, spirometers and audio visual equipment for remote health coaching. A range of services are also available.

Since 2006 the market for the provision of Assistive Technologies has grown for both service and product offerings and Buying Solutions is committed to helping customers reduce spend in this area on an ongoing basis.

With Telecare and Telehealth featuring more prominently on the agendas of Health & Local Authorities, the Buying Solutions framework agreement provides a cost-effective, EU-compliant path to the procurement of both products and services.

The new Buying Solutions framework agreement has a broad scope with 62* suppliers across six specific Lots as follows:

1. Telecare Products
2. Telecare Services
3. Telehealth Products
4. Telehealth Services
5. Telecoaching Products and Services
6. Managed Services (pertaining to the above)

The structure of the framework agreement allows you to buy direct from the online catalogues (where applicable) or to conduct a Further Competition. The Buying Solutions website has full details of the online tools available to customers as well as Guidance Notes for using the tools and the framework agreement.

There is no cost to use the framework agreement.

For further information on the opportunities available to customers please contact the Assistive Technologies Team via the Buying Solutions customer service desk on:

T: 0345 410 2222
E: Info@buyingsolutions.gsi.gov.uk
W: http://www.buyingsolutions.gov.uk/categories/ICT/telecare/

*Of the 62 suppliers 23 are defined as an SME.