The Care Workforce app has reportedly been launched by the UK government, developed in collaboration with the NHSX and NHSBSA.

The app will assist nurses and other social care workforces by offering support and valuable information to ensure their mental health & well-being during the coronavirus pandemic. This information includes the latest guidance, key updates, and learning resources that cover key areas such as discounts and infection control among these social care workers.

The currently developing new bespoke guidance on the care workers’ mental well-being will reportedly be made available in the new app. The app has been launched to cater to the social care sector that is currently combating the COVID-19 outbreak and struggling to obtain the essential support such as PPE (personal protection equipment).

Matt Hancock, health & social care secretary, has reportedly stated that the new app was a part of government measures to assist the front liners in the social care sector during the crisis. The app will provide up-to-date guidance to this workforce to ensure their safety and connection with their colleagues. It will also enable them to access the discounts like that of their NHS counterparts.

The new app, which has been launched under the brand, CARE, will be available for download on Android or Apple smartphones and can be accessed online. The app has been received by various figures in the care sector, including Social Care Institute for Excellence’s chief executive, Kathryn Smith, who has emphasized several challenges currently faced by the social care workers.

She has apparently stated that several challenges among the workforce include maintaining a continuous functioning of services during the coronavirus outbreak as well as ensuring tasks such as safeguarding, mental capacity issues and maintaining rights under the Care Act. She added that this technological advancement will offer a valuable addition to assist the workforce with the best support and care during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Source credit:

https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/social-care/government-launches-new-app-for-social-care-workforce-06-05-2020/