Improving resident care: 80% of local care homes switch to digital records ahead of schedule

More than 80% of care homes in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have now switched to digital records from paper-based systems, with the help of the Digitising Social Care (DiSC) programme. Digital Social Care Records (DSCRs) securely allow health and care professionals to see relevant information in someone’s health and care records to give them better, safer care.

The team at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership had been working towards reaching the national target of 80% by March 2025, and are celebrating having achieved this target nine months early.

Clare Steward, Digitising Social Care programme director, said: “We knew that smaller care providers may not have the capacity and resource to implement digital records, so we have been particularly keen to support and encourage them to take this important step. We were determined to ensure everyone has the chance to benefit from digital records, including support to acquire the Data Security Protection Toolkit (DSPT).”

Patricia Coker, senior responsible officer for the Digitising Social Care programme, said: “Building on strong relationships already in place, our local Digital Leads provided hands-on support to each care provider. Our tried-and-tested approach involved connecting them with other providers who had already made the switch, and helping them to choose a supplier from an approved list.”

DSCRs provide a more secure way to hold health and care information. Care home staff can work more effectively and efficiently, as well as having more time to spend with people receiving care.

Heidi Perret, Deputy Manager of Peter’s Place Care Home in Bedford said: “The care system flows a lot better because of the digital notes. The person-centred system allows for a more rounded picture of care, which supports with the day-to-day running of the nursing home.” 

Chetna Satra, Registered Manager of The Limes Care Home in Luton said: “It’s safer, it’s more robust and we wouldn’t go back to any other way now. You’ve got more time because you’re quicker at actually recording, you have more time for the people that you’re supporting. So it’s a win-win all round.”

To find out more about the Digitising Social Care programme, visit https://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/about/our-priorities/data-and-digital/digitising-social-care-disc-programme/