Regional Environmental Control Systems Service – Information Leaflet

This leaflet provides you with information about the Regional Environmental Control Systems Service. If you are not sure about anything in this leaflet please ask a member of staff.

The Regional Environmental Control Systems Service assists people with physical disabilities to operate a wide range of equipment and/or appliances within their desired environment.

Main uses of Environmental Control Systems are for:
• Security – alarms, door locks, intercoms
• Communication – telephones
• Comfort – lights, heaters
• Entertainment – television, video, hi-fi, DVD
• Home control – doors, windows
• Computer access

The service is for people of all ages who have a limiting physical disability.

Equipment can be controlled using various methods i.e.
• Switches – these can be operated using any controllable body movement
• Voice recognition
• Direct access – special keypads

Equipment provision can help you to alleviate or compensate for an injury or impairment, and can help you to maintain or increase your independence.

• Visiting Assessment Service: this takes place in the most appropriate location (usually your home address)
• Equipment provision
• On-going service and maintenance
• Review and re-assessment (if required)

Your first appointment will take place in the most appropriate location, usually your home. You will be visited by an Assessor, usually accompanied by local therapy staff. The Assessor will look at your physical capabilities, your medical condition, any family/carer involvement, your home environment and your aims and expectations.

During the assessment you will be given the opportunity to try different pieces of equipment.

You and your referrer will be provided with a written report following your assessment. The recommendations will usually be discussed with you on the day of your assessment.

If an equipment installation is required, then further involvement may be required with your local therapist, social services and the assessment team to clarify your needs. Once this has happened the equipment will be installed and you will be given the appropriate training. You will be reviewed after a couple of months.

The equipment will be serviced and maintained by the team and you will automatically be reviewed on an annual basis. Any problems can be flagged up immediately.

You can refer yourself or be referred by a family member, your doctor, a therapist or other agencies. The Regional Environmental Control Systems Service can be contacted by telephone, email, or in writing.

Traveline telephone: 0871 200 22 33
Website: www.traveline.info

If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:

• talk to the people directly involved in your care
• ask a member of staff for a feedback form, or complete a form on the Trust website
• telephone the Complaints Department on 0191 245 6672
• email [email protected]. Please note that information sent to the Trust via email is sent at your own risk

We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention. You can provide feedback in the following ways:

• the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourvoice
• complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff
• other options for sharing your feedback and experience www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved ones care.

We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.

North of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 032 0202
Email: [email protected]
Post: FREEPOST PALS

9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

An answerphone is available at all times for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.

The Regional Environmental Control Systems Service
Chad House
Corbridge Road
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 1QJ

Telephone: 01434 612 710
Email: [email protected]

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288.

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2025 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/124/0225 February 2025 V8

Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk Telephone: 0191 246 7288

Review date 2028