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WQ.135/2022
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON TUESDAY 19th APRIL 2022
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 26th APRIL 2022
Question
"In respect of the Community Alarm System (C.A.S.), what is the Minister's assessment of the impact that the rise in the cost of the scheme will have on take-up and of the likelihood of any consequent interference with delivering the goals for primary care outlined in the Jersey Care Model; and will he explain what consideration, if any, was given to leaving such policy decisions to be taken by the next Minister for Health and Social Services?"
Answer
The Community Alarm System (C.A.S.) has been provided in Jersey for several years. CAS is now out of contract, no longer in production and becoming increasingly difficult to source spare parts for. In addition, the CAS has very limited functionality, providing only a call bell provision. All of this has resulted in the need to replace the old system following an extensive procurement process.
This provision has been provided to both individuals as part of their care package, which is fully funded by the Government of Jersey, and those who choose to hire the equipment privately.
The new Telecare system offer has much greater functionality and can be expanded to include many products if required or wanted by the recipient. It also uses the latest technologies and is not dependent on analogue systems.
The new system provided for those who are fully funded will have significantly positive impacts which will increase the take up due to the improved functionality.
Private funders may or may not chose to take up the offer, as is currently the case, however, it is anticipated that due to the greater functionality the take up of the private offer will increase. The increase in cost for new technology is well understood and unavoidable.
It has been recognised that there is an increase in cost to private funders and this increase is fully subsidised for the first year and then continues to be subsidised at a decreasing rate over the following years.
The introduction of the new system aligns with the Jersey Care Model as it offers a much wider range of functionality and therefore can support many more people.
There has not been a policy change; there remains a Telecare offer which is improved and available to Islanders. Those who are fully funded remain fully funded and those who have previously paid continue to do so, while being subsidised which has previously not been the case. The next Minister for Health and Social Services will be able to review these arrangements if they choose.