After a full retender process Reliance High-Tech has retained its Framework Agreement with the NHS to protect staff across the UK with its lone worker protection service, Reliance Protect. Since the original contract in 2009, some 40,000 NHS staff that work alone have signed up to the service providing them with back up and support if they suffer a verbal or physical threat while working.
The new framework, which is also available to any public sector body, offers a range of lone worker devices that link to the BS 5979 Category II approved Reliance Monitoring Centre using GSM, SMS and GPS. When activated, Reliance Protect operators listen to and capture what takes place in an incident, and respond โ whether calling out the emergency services, alerting colleagues and supervisors or archiving recordings as evidence for any legal action. For a fixed monthly all-inclusive fee, the Reliance Protect product comprises a device or smartphone application, 24/7 manned monitoring and helpdesk, face-to-face training at customer sites, airtime and customer management support and reporting.
Dan Thomas, Sales and Marketing Director, Reliance High-Tech, said: โWe are delighted to have retained the contract, which demonstrates our commitment to unrivalled service levels and lower all-inclusive pricing. Weโve responded to NHS staff and management as well as other public sector users including probation, housing associations and local authorities to offer a wider range of devices suitable for a variety of working practices and environments.โ
Features of the new NHS Framework Agreement include:
โขLower fixed and all-inclusive monthly pricing available from ยฃ7.89 a month.
โขThe technology โ A variety of BS 8484 compliant devices including the Identicom Series 8 range featuring one or two-way audio, latest GPS, temperature sensors, and man-down functionality. Smartphone applications provide a cost-effective solution for lower risk staff that infrequently work alone.
โขreporting โ web based tools enable NHS management to run comprehensive custom reports to help Trusts maximise usage.
โขmanagement support โ Supporting the dedicated account team, the 24/7/365 help desk maintains a flexible and proactive approach to managing contracts within the monthly fixed fee. Reassigning devices keeps to a minimum the time users are without service while the online portal enables access to administration services and support.
โขBS8484 accreditation โ Ensures alarms are escalated to the police services, where warranted, through the new dedicated police lone worker Unique Reference Number (URN) system, guaranteeing those alarms are passed to the police in the shortest time.
โขservice levels โ Continuously measured and analysed by the NHS, the Reliance Protect service meets service levels set against performance criteria.
Nick Martin, Security Management Area Manager, NHS Protect, said: โWith the help and support of the Reliance Protect team and through regular surveys we have listened to our 40,000 users. The new NHS framework agreement offers lower prices, improved flexibility and increased safety and security.โ
And Chris Allcard, Head of Lone Worker Services, Reliance High-Tech, added: โThe NHS ran a highly visible and stringent tendering process and Reliance Protect impressed in terms of service, technology, processes and personnel. The tendering process, new benefits and pricing, and our track record mean any public sector body can access Reliance Protect with confidence.โ
For more information, visit www.relianceprotect.co.uk
