Weekly Newsletter - 20.06.2024

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Digital Transformation

Digitising Care: Dom Portal’s Role in NHS Transformation

Cambridge start-up Dom Portal is revolutionising adult social care by digitising records as part of the NHS England's initiative. Founded in 2020, the company has grown rapidly, driven by the 2021 government white paper "People at the Heart of Care." Dom Portal's software streamlines care management, reducing paperwork and enhancing transparency. With support from the Department of Health and Social Care, the platform aims to improve care quality and efficiency. The founders, Prashant Goud and Lokesh Swamy, are committed to expanding their impact and supporting the NHS's digital transformation goals.

Care Cost Cap

Labour’s Social Care Pledge: Cap on Costs Despite Manifesto Omission

Wes Streeting reaffirms Labour's commitment to capping adult social care costs by October next year, despite its absence from the party's manifesto. The manifesto did promise a national care service, which Streeting said would take a decade to establish. Critics argue the plan lacks detail and a long-term funding model. Labour also aims to improve NHS and social care collaboration for hospital discharges. Streeting emphasises Labour's focus on long-term solutions over short-term fixes, contrasting with Conservative promises on social care reforms.

Tech Triumph

Award-Winning Tech: Hertfordshire’s Assistive Solution

Hertfordshire County Council's innovative Assistive Technology solution, Data Inspired Living, has won recognition at the LGC Awards 2024. This custom-built technology helps social care practitioners support residents in maintaining independence and safety at home. Using discrete sensors and a digital dashboard, it monitors routines and triggers alerts for potential issues, such as increased fall risk. The project, developed collaboratively across council departments, has shown promise in reducing social care costs and hospital admissions. The judges praised the project for its adaptability, scalability, and focus on improving outcomes for service users.

Funding Concerns

Unfunded Promises: Conservative Care Cost Cap Faces Scrutiny

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) warns that the Conservative manifesto's pledge to cap adult social care costs is unfunded. Key reforms include an £86,000 lifetime care cost cap and raising capital thresholds for care charges. Originally allocated funds have been diverted, leaving the policy without new funding. Think-tanks express concerns about the feasibility of the policy without additional resources. The manifesto also includes broader financial pledges and welfare reforms, but the IFS questions the deliverability of these promises.

Budget Cuts

Nottingham Faces Tough Cuts in Adult Social Care Budget

Nottingham City Council must cut £25m from its adult social care budget over the next four years, having only achieved £4m of a £7m target in 2023/24. Government commissioners have intervened due to the council's budget shortfall. Councillors question the feasibility of meeting these targets, with concerns about the impact on services. Efforts are being made to streamline spending and improve outcomes without necessarily cutting services. However, there is criticism over the top-down approach and lack of consultation with frontline care workers.