Care workers get 'smart' SMS service

NEWS Care workers will be able to tap the power of text messaging to provide better services thanks to a deal struck between ATL Data Management Services and Anite Telecoms. ATL's offering to the sector is called Smart Care, which from now can employ a dual-slot mobile phone to let social and health care workers remotely log in when they arrive at a home and, when they leave, send a list of services they have provided. The system, because it is linked to a back-end database and scheduling software, can even tell when a visit is overdue, making sure those in need aren't left unattended. Anite's contract with ATL is worth £750,000 and involves capturing the SMS-delivered information to be processed on central servers. To put together this component of Smart Care, Anite Managed Services had to combine a SIM card application with a high-end Oracle database. Sagem and T-Mobile are to supply handsets and mobile network access respectively. Every year UK local authorities spend around £1.4bn on delivering services to 400,000 people through 100,000 care staff. The companies said that by improving productivity even by a small percentage, through additional contact time, real cost benefits and improved service levels are possible.