Learning disabilities care provider uses digital records to improve care

A local care organisation that provides care to people with a learning disability has been reaping the benefits of using digital care records.

Winray Care Housing in Luton provides care and support services to adults with learning disabilities through supported living housing projects and in their own homes.

Winston Williams is one of the founders and also the operations manager. He is responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective day-to-day running of the service, including managing staff, ensuring high standards of care, and meeting regulatory requirements. Winston is always looking for efficiencies that give the care staff more time to spend on care.

“Our philosophy is to keep life as normal as possible for our clients,” explains Winston.  “Through a combination of care and practical support, we help them to lead full and interesting lives, and to reach their own personal goals according to their abilities.”

The Digitising Social Care programme team at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System has been supporting local care providers to switch to digital social care records (DSCR) to improve the quality and safety of the care they provide.

Initially, Winray Care Housing was using cloud-based storage such as Dropbox to share and manage care records, but has been using the Access care management system since June 2024.

Winston says: “Previously, we sometimes had issues with medication being given on time, but with the DSCR we can see exactly who gives the medication and when – so it has helped with auditing and accountability – as well as safety, of course. Going digital has also made it much easier to share information with social workers, external agencies and GPs – there’s now no need to fill in separate paperwork or wait for information to come through.”

Another safety aspect is that having all the information in one place – accessible to all who need it – reduces duplication and the risk of errors.

Unit managers and other key individuals were trained on how to use the system, who then trained and mentored other team members so that everyone understands how to use it. All the staff have embraced the switch to digital records, and there have not been any notable issues with connectivity or usability.

“Making the switch to Access has significantly improved how we record the services we provide,” says Winston. “Managers can easily input into care plans and health action plans, and our staff can record a wide range of activities, moods, observations, and notes. This means that everyone has the latest information in order to work more efficiently and deliver more person-centred care.”