LGA - Using digital technology to improve social care

18 Jul 2017 10:53 AM

Councils have been awarded funding for projects which use digital technology to transform and improve social care.

As part of the Local Government Association’s Local Investment Programme, which is funded by NHS Digital, 16 councils will each receive up to £50,000 towards their projects.

The application process was based around five themes:-

• Sharing information and integrating services
• Enabling people to interact with care services through digital channels
• Promoting independence and wellbeing through the use of digital services and technology
• Integrating commissioning through the improved use of information and analysis
• Enabling care professionals to work from any base at any time

While many proposals were broad ranging in scope, some focussed on specific ideas, such as supporting people with particular conditions such as dementia, or on issues like carer isolation.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:

“We were extremely impressed by the interest shown in the programme and the high quality of the bids we received.

“Technology can never be a replacement for care, but it can play a really effective role in helping people to live at home for longer, as well as support professionals and commissioners to target services where they have the greatest impact.

“Many councils are already harnessing the powers of digital technology to transform social care services and support integration with health partners.

“The LGA is pleased to support this investment programme, which can improve both the care provided and most important of all, people’s experience of care.”

Linda Whalley, NHS Digital Director of Strategy, said:

“We are delighted to be collaborating with the Local Government Association in making this funding available to invest in some really great projects that will benefit local people.

“We are also committed to making a positive change at a national level to social care to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from the services we provide.”

Notes to editors

The Local Investment Programme is funded by NHS Digital and is a key part of the Social Care Programme (P15) of the national Paperless 2020 (P2020) Portfolio. Programme 15 is responsible for the development of adult social care capabilities within P2020, covering the themes of integration of health and social care and social care transformation and efficiency. P15 seeks to equip health and social care professionals with digital tools, training and information to work more efficiently and collaboratively with citizens and partner organisations, to achieve the best outcomes.

Full list of councils that received funding