PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

Agilisys and SCIE Partner to Bring Ethical Generative AI Innovation to Social Care

Agilisys and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) have announced an exciting partnership to boost the delivery of care services. Unveiled at the NCASC 2024 conference, this collaboration combines Agilisys’ cutting-edge technology with SCIE’s trusted expertise in social care. Together, they aim to tackle sector challenges by creating ethical AI solutions that save time, improve service quality, and empower care professionals.

ADULT CARE

UK Adult Care Sector Faces Staffing Crisis Amidst Systemic Challenges

The adult social care (ASC) sector in the UK is grappling with a severe staffing crisis, exacerbated by Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and chronic underfunding. Managers, caught between strategic responsibilities and frontline duties, face immense pressure to maintain care quality amidst these challenges. The recruitment process is fraught with delays, and retention is equally problematic, with many new hires leaving shortly after starting. This situation not only burdens managers but also compromises the quality of care provided to residents, as opportunities for personalised, person-centred activities are often sacrificed.

Managers report working excessive hours, leading to burnout and stress-related illnesses. Despite some organisations implementing well-being programmes and encouraging innovation, support remains inconsistent. The testimonies of these managers highlight the urgent need for systemic reform. Competitive wages, streamlined recruitment processes, and career progression opportunities are essential to attract and retain skilled workers. Additionally, providing managers with resources to delegate non-essential tasks and prioritising mental health support are crucial steps towards a sustainable future for ASC.

The future of ASC hinges on addressing these systemic issues and valuing the contributions of those on the front lines. By focusing on staff well-being and ensuring adequate staffing levels, the sector can continue to provide compassionate, high-quality care to society’s most vulnerable members. Immediate action is imperative to avert further decline.

HEALTH DIGITISATION

Urgent Call for Comprehensive Digitisation in England Health and Social Care

The 10-Year Health Plan for England presents a critical opportunity to address persistent challenges in health and social care through digitisation. Prioritising technology and data sharing can significantly enhance care outcomes. A national framework for digitisation is essential, encompassing a clear roadmap, policy direction, and funding. Recent advancements have shown that with adequate support, the adult social care sector can effectively adopt digital technologies, as evidenced by the increase in digital usage from 40% to over 70% between 2021 and 2024.

However, financial pressures threaten these gains, with 75% of providers considering scaling back digital projects. The 10-Year Plan must ensure sustainable funding for digital infrastructure, including internet connectivity and software licences, to bridge the digital divide. Aligning with sector priorities, the plan should focus on people-centred innovations, robust digital infrastructure, safe data sharing, and workforce digital skills development.

Hospital discharge inefficiencies highlight the need for improved interoperability and a national discharge data standard. Technologies like the Dashboard for Accelerating Discharge (DAD) demonstrate potential in reducing delays. Co-production with care providers and carers is vital for successful digital transformation. Strengthening cyber resilience and equipping the workforce with digital skills are crucial. Integrated data systems can enable early intervention, improving health outcomes and reducing costs. Immediate and sustained action is imperative to realise these ambitions.

SOCIAL CARE CRISIS

Hospital Discharges 'Put Strain on Social Care'

DIGITISATION

Is Legacy Tech Holding Your Organisation Back, or Can It Work with Innovation?

Outdated systems are a persistent challenge for the public sector, slowing workflows, increasing costs, and diverting resources away from frontline services. Yet replacing these systems entirely isn’t always feasible due to high costs and complexity. So, what’s the solution?

This article explores how public sector organisations can strike a balance by integrating modern innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) alongside legacy systems. With examples like Agilisys’s EHCP Plus platform - an AI tool that creates Education, Health, and Care Plans in minutes - it shows how technology can increase efficiency without requiring a complete overhaul.

It also outlines practical steps to make innovation work, including identifying clear use cases, piloting solutions, and fostering collaboration across teams.

Legacy systems don’t have to be roadblocks. With the right approach, they can coexist with cutting-edge tools, helping organisations improve efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver better outcomes for citizens.

Read the full article to explore how innovation can transform public services without starting from scratch.

SOCIAL CARE CRISIS

Vulnerable Man Ordeal Highlights Urgent Need for Social Care Reform

CARE SECTOR

Investors and Government Must Act to End Exploitation in Care Sector

New research urges investors and the UK government to address labour exploitation in England care sector. Recommendations include improving labour standards, ensuring funding is tied to care quality, and mandating transparency. Investors can leverage their influence to foster ethical practices, safeguarding vulnerable workers and enhancing sector sustainability.

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