80% of UK care providers using digital records

Around 80 per cent of care providers in the UK now use digital social care records, according to new figures from the UK government.

The digital records now cover 90 per cent of those who use social care.
The government estimates that 30 million administrative hours will be saved per year through the use of digital social care records.

The digital social care records are part of the government’s plans to develop a single patient care record which puts patient data and information in one place, securely records their medical history, and allows appropriate health professionals to access this information.

Most care providers have traditionally relied on pen and paper for their records.

The government added that the digitisation of social care plans has halved the time required to sign off medication and cut review time to half an hour instead of four hours.

“This government is driving digital innovation, and digital care records are making a major difference for people drawing on care and their carers – with the number of care providers using them doubling from 40 per cent to 80 per cent, including a meaningful increase since July 2024,” said Stephen Kinnock, minister of state for care. “A one-stop-shop for a person’s care information – securely available to carers – cuts paperwork, helps reduce errors and gives carers more time to care.”

Earlier this week, a digital tool was launched which allows over 2,000 GPs in Greater Manchester to connect with NHS consultants for specialist advice in under 30 seconds.

The tool enables GPs to get rapid specialist advice when deciding if a hospital referral is needed, with the technology aiming to reduce waiting lists and improve access to care.

The app, developed by telemedicine provider Consultant Connect, has already helped more than 31,000 patients in Salford and Oldham avoid unnecessary hospital visits.