NHS Digital has urged local authorities to consider using the products developed under its Social Care Digital Innovation Accelerators programme.
It has begun making information on the various initiatives available, following the conclusion of the work in March.
The third round of the programme involved over £1 million of funding for 12 projects led by local authorities, six of which were selected for further support to implementation.
NHS Digital highlighted the development of computer controlled robots – known as ‘cobots’ – In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that are worn around the waist and lower back to support carers in lifting, holding and moving people.
Another project, led by North Somerset Council, involved the development of an application to monitor the hydration levels of care home residents.
James Palmer, head of the Social Care Programme at NHS Digital, said: “Digital technology can make a huge difference to people’s lives and the projects funded through these programmes have improved social care as well as empowered people by giving them more control over their own wellbeing.
“Frontline staff have worked incredibly hard to make these programmes successful and we now want to ensure these fantastic innovations can be adopted by more social care providers, local authorities and charities so that as many people as possible can experience the benefits they bring.”
Image from NHS Digital
