A tracking system being used in Oamaru to keep an eye on Alzheimer's patients who may be at risk of wandering off could be extended to a larger area of Otago in the future.
The WandaTrak system, which tracks radio signals from pendants worn by people identified as ''at risk'' of getting lost, was introduced in Oamaru a year ago, after the Oamaru Elim Church raised $3700 to provide the Alzheimer's Society with the means to buy the tracking equipment.
The equipment has been operated by police and North Otago search and rescue, and Senior Constable Darrin Low, of Hampden, said its value was already clear. There were now two Alzheimer's patients on the Waitaki police's database, which provided pictures and information on those who had chosen to wear a pendant, Snr Const Low said.
''It's absolutely brilliant.
''We haven't, luckily, had to use it as of yet. We've had a couple of close call-outs, where we have been prepared to move, but then the subject has been located.
''We have had one call-out from Dunedin. They don't operate the system down there, but they had a man down from Auckland who was on the WandaTrak system there. He had wandered off and we got a call to assist, but prior to us driving down there he was located.''
The system was already employed in most major urban areas, Snr Const Low said.
Alzheimer's Society Otago manager Julie Butler said ''serious'' consideration would be given to bringing the tracking system to other parts of Otago.
''We would like to extend it to Dunedin, Central Otago and other rural areas, but at this stage we are looking at it but we haven't gone further forward with it.
''We have had conversations with search and rescue here and the Red Cross, so we are looking at it, but these things take time.''
