PSTN Switch-Off 2027 for UK Care Homes (2026 Guide): Resident Safety Critical
Last updated: April 2026
UK care homes have the highest concentration of PSTN-dependent safety-critical equipment of any sector. Resident pendant alarms, nurse call systems, fire alarms, lift emergency phones, telecare links to monitoring centres. Migration before 31 January 2027 isn't optional — it's resident safety.
What's typically PSTN-dependent in a care home
Safety-critical (resident protection)
- Resident pendant alarms — older Tunstall, Possum, Telecare 24 systems often dial out via PSTN
- Nurse call systems — newer ones are IP; older models dial out
- Door entry / wandering resident alarms — older systems may use PSTN
- Fire alarm signalling to monitoring centre
- Lift emergency phones (legally required, BS EN 81-28)
Operational
- Reception phone — main number for families and professionals
- Medication management dial-up systems (older eMAR alternatives)
- Building management — heating, hot water, environmental alarms
- CCTV alert systems
- Payment terminal for visiting hairdressers, podiatrists etc
Telecare and external monitoring
Most acute concern. Care homes connected to community alarm centres (responding to resident pendant alerts) traditionally communicated via PSTN. The Telecare Services Association (TSA) and member providers have been migrating through 2024-2026; care homes need to verify status.
Patient safety priorities
This is critical. Migration must:
- Maintain pendant alarm coverage continuously — no gap between PSTN and IP-based system
- Test thoroughly before cutover — simulate alarm activations through new system before old retired
- Coordinate with telecare monitoring centre — they need to be ready to receive IP signals
- Train staff on any new procedures — what to do if a system fails during transition
- Have manual backup procedures documented — until digital systems proven
CQC inspectors are aware of PSTN switch-off and may ask about your migration plan. Document everything.
What to migrate to
Resident pendant alarms
Modern IP-based or GSM-based pendant alarm systems. Major UK telecare suppliers (Tunstall, Legrand Care, Doro Care, Appello) have migration programmes. Cost varies but typically per-resident monthly fee.
Nurse call systems
If you're on a modern Wandsworth, Aid Call, Cornell, or NurseCall network, likely already IP. Older systems need replacement — significant capital cost (£10,000-50,000 for whole-home replacement).
Fire alarm
IP-based signalling via existing alarm monitoring company. Specialist installer required.
Lift phones
GSM upgrades during scheduled lift maintenance. Critical regulatory requirement under BS EN 81-28.
Reception phone
Cloud VoIP — straightforward migration. Often cheaper monthly than existing PSTN.
Telecare monitoring link
Confirm with your monitoring centre (Tunstall ARC, Legrand ARC, regional council ARC) that their migration is complete or scheduled before yours.
Cost expectations
For a typical 40-bed UK care home:
- Pendant alarm system upgrade (if needed): £8,000-25,000 capital
- Nurse call replacement (if old): £20,000-60,000 capital
- Reception VoIP: £100-200/month
- Fire alarm IP migration: £500-2,000 one-off
- Lift phone GSM: £500-1,000 per lift
- Project management: depends on complexity
Care home groups (5+ homes) should consolidate procurement for volume pricing.
CQC and DSPT alignment
Care providers should:
- Update NHS DSPT submission to reflect post-migration setup
- Document migration in Resident Safety policy and risk register
- Ensure new systems meet CQC's information governance expectations
- Train staff and document training records
CQC won't audit the technical specification but will want to see that resident safety wasn't compromised through transition.
Care home group considerations
If you operate multiple care homes:
- Consolidated supplier simplifies migration management
- Pilot one home first, then roll out
- Standardise on one nurse call / pendant alarm vendor across the group for support efficiency
- Centralised IP infrastructure for monitoring (one IT team can support multiple homes)
FAQs
Will resident pendant alarms stop working in January 2027?
Only if they communicate via PSTN. Most modern Tunstall, Legrand Care, Doro Care, Appello systems are already IP-based or in migration. Older systems (10+ years) likely still PSTN — verify with your supplier. Migration is critical for resident safety.
What about telecare monitoring centre links?
Most UK community alarm response centres (ARCs) are migrating to IP through TSA-coordinated programmes. Confirm with your monitoring provider that their migration aligns with yours.
Does CQC require specific PSTN-migration plans?
CQC doesn't mandate a specific plan but will want evidence that resident safety wasn't compromised. Document the migration plan, testing approach, and post-migration confirmation in your information governance and resident safety records.
How much does pendant alarm system replacement cost?
Whole-home replacement typically £8,000-25,000 for 40-bed care home, depending on complexity. Some suppliers offer monthly per-resident pricing instead of capital purchase.
Can I delay nurse call replacement and just upgrade signalling?
Sometimes — if the nurse call panel itself is reasonably modern, just the external signalling to monitoring centre needs IP migration. Check with your nurse call vendor.
Getting a quote
Call 01743 598025 or request a quote. Free PSTN audit for UK care homes — full review of safety-critical and operational systems.
Related pages
PSTN switch-off for your care home or group
Free audit covering pendant alarms, nurse call, fire alarm, lift phones. CQC-aware sequenced migration plan.
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