As we get into the swing of this year, let’s throw a quick glance over the shoulder at 2022; and look back at our engagement highlights both in business and the wider community.
ITEC Conference – March
It’s hard to believe the TSA Conference is just next month! 2022’s rendition saw the first in-person event in two years. True to form, Medequip Connect is looking forward to showcasing its fully managed service offer, including digital transformation and culture change, and encouraging visitors to get hands on with Care Technology. Last year, we got great feedback on what makes or breaks a Technology Enabled Care Service. Look out for us at stand 23 this year and get tickets at TSA Conference (itecconf.org.uk)
Suffolk Show – May
Last summer, Medequip Connect supported the Community Equipment Events Team at Suffolk Show, where we exhibited alongside Healthwatch Suffolk. We have lots of service users in East Anglia and this was a great opportunity to speak to members of the public, as well as health professionals and disability advocates who visited our stand. Our local Service Manager for Connect, Paul, and Tessa from Community Engagement, were on hand to answer all Care Technology related queries.
The Digital Healthcare Show – May
May was a busy month for Medequip Connect! We also exhibited at Digital Healthcare Show in London. Speaking to healthcare and housing professionals more widely, we showcased our Care Technology offer and discussed how Technology Enabled Care fits into the broader Health & Social Care agenda. It was a great chance for dialogue with our wider Care partners; and served as a reminder that not one organisation can do everything. For a fully managed service provider like Medequip Connect, that means examining how our 24hr Monitoring & Response service complements the care and support an individual is already receiving.
Technology Enabled Care Innovation Forum – June
Last year also saw Medequip Connect launch its Innovation Forum, where industry partners, guests, and local authorities were invited to a one-day showcase of best practice and presentations. Guests included the TSA, Amazon, and Enovation, the developers of the UMO platform. Commissioners and Care Technology Prescribers from Dorset and the Wirral were also in attendance. We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: Technology Enabled Care is a little bit like the ocean – we’re all swimming at different depths, some moving faster than others. Innovation forums allow industry experts to share what’s been working, what needs improving, and how the latest innovations in service delivery (not just technology!) are paving the way forward.
Aston & Cote Day Centre – October
Come Autumn 2022 and Medequip Connect were back out in the community, this time stopping by Oxfordshire based Aston & Cote Day Centre. Seniors got hands on with Care Technology and shared their experiences with falls and long lies, after a short talk on the health risks associated with such incidents. Tessa from Connect’s Engagement Team was joined by Rachel from the local office. Some of the Technology Enabled Care devices we demonstrated included outdoor falls pendants and homecare alarms. Aston & Cote recently celebrated its first anniversary as a day centre.
FutureFest in Dorset – October
Meanwhile, down in Dorset, Connect supported a five-day innovation showcase. In our Business Spotlight segment, Stephen Head of Business Development, discussed how technology can be used to solve local challenges. Dorset is the growing home of digital as there are more jobs than people are applying for in the sector, but you don’t need to be a technology expert to work in Care Technology. We have talented Technicians and Engineers, but 24hr Monitoring & Response services also require people with Customer Care skills, Empathy, and administrative know-how.
It’s not just the shiny new tech
So what was 2022 really about? Dialogue.
We showcased our service offering and engaged a variety of stakeholders, from health/care professionals to industry partners and members of the public. It’s never about the shiny technology per se – but how you use it. As a fully managed Care Technology service, we understand there are a lot of moving parts when providing 24hr Monitoring & Responder services. The devices and technology itself is just one component. We learn far more by understanding how it’s actually being used by real people.
There is no one size fits all solution, which is why Medequip Connect is supplier agnostic. We source our devices and technology from suppliers and manufacturers worldwide based on local individual needs. Going out into the community, whether to speak to health/care professionals or members of the public of all ages, means understanding local needs better. We’re proud to serve communities up and down the UK and bring people the technology and services that make their lives better everyday, helping people remain independent for longer.
What’s Medequip doing in your local community?