The tragic deaths of three people in separate house fires within a five week period in the Western Isles has prompted an improvement review into a community remote alarm system.
Morag Ann Macdonald – who was in her 80s – died in a blaze in Garrynamoine, South Uist. A week later another fatal incident in Kildonan on the same island claimed the life of William Hanks, 83.
Joseph MacNeil perished in a fire at his home at St Barr’s Crescent, in Northbay, Barra, in March.
Western Isles Council officials launched a review into the telecare alarm scheme used by elderly and infirm people at home.
Audit committee chairman, Angus Morrison, said: “Although our systems have worked as expected, this is an opportunity for the review of processes across the Western Isles, particularly in relation to installation, maintenance and testing of equipment on a consistent basis.
“We want to ensure that people feel as safe as possible in their homes and we are very aware that these alarms play a big part in that.”
One priority – deemed as critical – is to replace older alarms with modern devices which can be automatically activated even battery power is low.
The review report said: “This will provide assurance to both management and service users that sufficient back-up processes are in place where battery life has reached a minimum level and can be responded to by technicians on the ground.”
The current testing and maintenance programme should be improved so electronic systems in service users’ homes are fit for purpose.
The report highlighted: “We identified that the program of maintenance in place across the Western Isles is inconsistent and does not form part of a robust systematic process which meets the basis of best practice.
“We note that regular on-site testing is not undertaken in Lewis and Harris, although it is undertaken in the Uists and Barra.”
The review highlighted the service allows people to remain supported in their own homes for longer periods of time.
The council is implementing all the recommendations.