Environmental Control Service

Information

The service provides environmental control systems which enable patients with complex physical disabilities to control devices around the home, such as mobile phones, pagers (for attracting attention), tablets/computers, door intercom systems, lights and home entertainment equipment such as smart TVs and cable/satellite boxes. Environmental control devices can also be interfaced to a wide range of equipment provided by other services/agencies or self-funded, including community alarms and Nurse Call, bed & chair integration, door openers, and other home automation equipment.

The service can also provide assistive technology integration to allow multiple devices to be controlled from the same input method. For example, switches can provide access to an environmental control device and a communication aid.

Environmental control systems can assist with providing independence and making continued care at home easier for the relatives. These can also delay or prevent permanent admission to hospital. Supply of the equipment may also make it feasible to discharge somebody home who would otherwise have to remain in hospital.

Referrals to the service have four main stages: referral management, assessment, device provision and equipment management. Once equipment has been installed it will be maintained and adapted to suit the needs of the user. Annual services are also carried out, when a member of the team will complete a home visit to inspect any equipment, to ensure its electrical safety and to confirm that it is in good working order.

In addition the service provides training to inform professionals (usually community occupational therapists, social workers, and speech and language therapists) about environmental control systems and integrated assistive technology.

The service is available to patients that are resident within the area covered by NHS Lothian. An assessment/advice only service is available to patients that are resident within the area covered by NHS Borders. Further information is available on the SMART Services website at https://www.smart.scot.nhs.uk/service/environmental-control.

M.A & M.D 26-06-24

The service adheres to the following criteria:

Equipment can only be supplied to people who are permanently disabled by disease, injury or congenital impairment to the extent that they are unable to perform such functions as answering the front door of their house, or switching a light or television on and off. Potential users must also:

a) have the ability and willingness to use the equipment;

b) have the need for the equipment and derive significant improvement in their independence and quality of life through its use;

c) be unable to use simpler or more cost effective equipment that may be available from other sources (e.g. local authority social work department).

The connection of the environmental control equipment to a wide range of other devices for example door openers, curtain openers, page turners, computers and tablets, may be considered. However, these devices are not supplied by the Environmental Control Service.

Installations are usually phased with key equipment interfaced first following an initial assessment. Additional devices may be added later as required provided the user is able to demonstrate their ability to use the environmental control.

Who can refer:

For patients who have not used are service before, a referral needs to be submitted either through a GP, a hospital consultant, an occupational therapist, a specialist nurse or other health and social care professional involved in the their care or who are knowledgeable about their goals for controlling their environment.

Established users of the service can contact the service directly although it is often preferably to do so via a health professional (such as a community therapist) when there is a change to their condition or needs and an assessment is required.