Skyguard Awarded NHS Supply Chain Framework Agreement for Electronic Assistive Technologies

EPSOM, U.K. - Oct. 9, 2014 - PRLog -- Skyguard – Europe’s premier personal safety service, has been chosen as an approved supplier on the NHS Supply Chain’s Framework Agreement for Electronic Assistive Technology products. The Framework encompasses a wide range of Telehealthcare products which enable the severely disabled or elderly to live independently in their own homes, by making their day to day tasks easier and safer. Following the conclusion of an OJEU tender process, NHS Supply Chain (acting as agent for NHS Business Services Authority), selected Skyguard’s MySOS device for the personal safety alarms product category.

The keyfob-sized MySOS features GSM and GPS technologies, allowing the user to raise an alarm at the touch button, whenever and wherever they are. The device can be configured to call and transmit its location to a nominated carer’s mobile phone, or to Skyguard’s 24/7, Incident Management Centre. Here, trained Controllers can view the user’s location on mapping software and information pre-registered on their profile, including known medical conditions and medication. As the device features a microphone and speaker, the Controllers are also able to listen-in and talk to the user. Utilising all of the information available, Controllers will follow the user’s emergency escalation procedures; calling the emergency services and/or other nominated contacts. They will stay on the line to both the user and emergency responder, keeping both updated until help has arrived and the user is safe.

Another unique feature of the MySOS allows a carer or nominated contact, to request its location by simply sending the device a text message – it will automatically reply with a link to a map which can be opened with a smartphone. This features is particularly useful for finding Dementia and Alzheimer suffers who may wander and become lost, or disorientated.

The Framework, which lasts for 2 years (with the option to extend a further two years), requires awarded companies to adhere the high standards demanded by the NHS, for the benefit of those under its care. The tender process evaluated bidders across a number of different areas including; customer support, training, business continuity, financial stability, product quality and value for money.

Skyguard’s Marketing Director, Will Murray said “Skyguard are delighted to be awarded onto this Framework which demonstrates our commitment to offering the highest quality products and customer service, whilst delivering excellent value for money. We already work with over 100 NHS Trusts to protect lone workers and Telecare users, however, this framework now makes it even easier for the NHS and other healthcare organisations to procure our products.”

Under the Framework Agreement there are two different methods of supply; ‘Non-Direct’ whereby NHS Supply Chain can purchase products and make them available to NHS Trusts, private healthcare providers, and government departments and agencies. Alternatively, these organisations can purchase ‘Direct’ products, entering into a contract directly with the supplier through the framework.

For more information, visit www.supplychain.nhs.uk or www.skyguardgroup.com

         -Ends-

Note to Editors:

About Skyguard

Established in 2000, Skyguard provides Europe’s premier personal safety service for lone workers and people at risk. Skyguard offers a range of state-of-the-art personal safety devices linked to our own purpose built, UK based, 24/7 Incident Management Centre certified to the highest lone working industry standards (BS 8484, BS 5979 Category II). It was the first single purpose Alarm Receiving Centre in the UK to receive these certifications by NSI’s ARC Gold Approval scheme. Skyguard is the UK’s only wholly owned end-to-end service provider, with each component fully certified to all elements of BS 8484.

One of the few companies in the industry to have both devices and ARC accredited by ACPO’s coveted Secured by Design, the Skyguard service is used by over half the UK’s Police forces to protect the most vulnerable in society.

In August 2011, Skyguard launched the world’s first and only localised emergency response service operating in 36 countries across Europe, the Russian Federation and South Africa.

For media enquiries please contact:

Will Murray, Marketing Director, Skyguard Ltd

E: will.murray@skyguardgroup.com

T: +44 (0)20 8786 3305