Environmental Control Service
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.
What We Do
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, where 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.
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.
More Information
Equipment Overview
Environmental control systems consist of three main parts – the input device for example a switch, the controller itself which usually has a display, and the devices to be controlled for example TVs, mobile phones.
The input method could be a touch screen device, a switch operated by hand, head or another part of the body, a joystick or a head pointer.
The controller houses the electronics to control the various devices around the home. It also usually has a display that you interact with to operate different devices. An example is the Possum Freeway and below is a short video demonstrating the operation of various devices:
An environmental controls/technology enabled care case study
The video below is case study of a lady living with motor neurone disease.East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership & NHS Lothian have worked together to provide various pieces of assistive technology including an environmental control system. The system enables access to a community alarm, television, lamps, mobile phone and control of a static chair.
Gallery
An example of an environmental control system menu screen
Environmental Control Equipment
How to Refer
Health and social care professionals (e.g. Community Occupational Therapists, MND Nurses, Speech and Language Therapists, staff working in Community Alarm Services) can refer by downloading the referral form above and emailing it to the stated address.
If you have an impairment that affects your ability to control devices around the home please speak to a relevant health and social care professional who will be able to refer on your behalf.
Repairs
Repair Request Form
Existing patients of SMART who require a repair can use this form to contact the department.
Contact
For general enquiries or if you have a device provided by the service and you have an issue with any of the equipment please call 0131 537 9177 (option 6) or 0131 537 9423 (NB this number does not require the use of a keypad during the call and so is recommended for anyone dialling from an environmental control system).