Teleworking, contactless technologies: the pandemic has given a major boost to digital technology. But teleconsultations have also gradually become part of everyday life, along with confinements and travel restrictions. Remote medical assistance that makes even more sense when travellingThis is particularly important when travelling for long periods. With this in mind, the Ascott, world leader in long-stay accommodationhas just added a new brick to its health and safety programme "Ascott Caresbuilt with Bureau Veritas. In partnership with a key player in assistance and security, International SOSthe extended stay hotel specialist is offering a range of telehealth services and travel safety advice.
Since 1 June, customers have had free access to this service in almost 200 establishments worldwide, including residences in France and Europe. Questions about medicines, treatment of benign conditions or acute and chronic illnesses all they have to do is call the reception of their establishment from their flat to talk to health experts. This is possible at any time of the day or night, as the service is based on the 27 International SOS assistance centres around the world, which offer 24/7 support in 99 languages and dialects.
Depending on the traveller's state of health, accredited doctors can also refer them for a teleconsultation or a face-to-face consultation with the worldwide network of medical services accredited by International SOS. This includes more than 90,000 service providers, many of them clinics and hospitals. But these services are not limited to physical problems; they also cover mental and emotional health, since accredited counsellors are on hand to help customers resolve problems related to depressionThese include mental health, anxiety, relationship management, anger and bereavement. At the same time, International SOS also offers advice to facility staff so that they can help their guests build mental resilience, manage stress and improve their overall well-being.
" Working closely with the Ascott team, we want to reassure customers that their safety and well-being are an absolute prioritywith robust 24/7 global support for all travellers - wherever they are in the world" said Dr Pascal Rey-Herme, co-founder and medical director of the International SOS Group. As International SOS specialises in repatriation, guests can also ask for advice on organising a medical evacuation.
The services on offer draw on the full range of International SOS expertise, from health to assistance and security. Travellers can contact experts to receive information on the safety of their journeys. Practical advice, such as safe means of land transport, but also preventive advice, such as street protests, natural disasters, travel restrictions, and so on. security threats. At the same time, Ascott will be able to work with International SOS, if necessary, to put in place protocols and protection measures appropriate to the context within its establishments. " Our strengthened 'Ascott Cares' commitment, which goes beyond looking after our customers, is our distinct competitive advantage. It demonstrates (...) the assurance we give to our corporate clients who want to know that their employees are well looked after when they stay with Ascott." said Kevin Goh, CEO of the Ascott Group. In the same vein, in July 2020 Accor announced that it would a partnership with AXA to provide medical assistance in its 5,000 hotels worldwide.
