Somerset Council and NHS Somerset are teaming up to provide funding to care providers who want to go digital by introducing electronic care records which replace paper-based admin systems.  

This project is in its second year running and has already helped over thirty care providers in Somerset to adopt a digital care record system. Writing care notes on paper means that information can be easily lost or duplicated and is not very secure. A digital system reduces these risks in addition to reducing the time care staff need to spend on admin tasks, helping reduce their workload and increasing their capacity to care.  

Abbeyfield Care Home in Taunton have been using a digital social care record (or DCSR) system for three years. Care home manager Paula Howlett discusses the positive impact that the system has had on their staff and care home in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k9HXWwYASM.

The project is also implementing new technology which could reduce falls. A number of care homes have had sensors installed which can detect falls and alert carers to ensure help reaches people quickly. These sensors are being implemented in care homes as well as individuals' homes with the aim of reducing avoidable falls which costs the NHS £2.3 billion every year nationwide. 

Mel Lock, Executive Director of Adult Social Care at Somerset Council said: 

"It's good to see a programme that brings together people working in adult social care across Somerset.  

Our carers do an amazing job, and we want to support them in what they do through this piece of work.  

Somerset is at the forefront of technology enabled care nationally and this is an excellent example of that. The future of adult social care is very exciting, and I am proud of our team in Somerset for embracing technology and what it can do for our communities." 

Allison Nation, Associate Director - Digital Strategy, NHS Somerset said:   "It's great to work collaboratively alongside our social care providers, council colleagues and the registered care provider association on the programme to support the use of digital in social care settings." 

Visit https://beta.digitisingsocialcare.co.uk/ to find out more about this project.