Digital Revolution in Care Saves “Millions” of Admin Hours

The social care sector has achieved a remarkable digital transformation, with four in five care providers now utilising digital social care records (DSCRs) – a dramatic increase from just 40% implementation rates recorded previously. This shift means nearly 90% of people receiving care now benefit from improved record-keeping systems that are revolutionising how care is delivered.

The transition from traditional paper-based systems to digital platforms is yielding significant time savings for care workers. Industry estimates suggest the digital-first approach will save approximately 30 million administrative hours annually, returning at least 20 minutes per shift to each care worker – time that can now be devoted to direct care delivery.

Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care visited Kallar Lodge, a 24/7 residential care home in Dagenham, to see the Digital Social Care Records (DSCRs) in action and speak to staff about the improvements they have brought to their care roles.

Kallar Lodge’s digital care records system is integrated with the London Shared Care Record, which allows care staff to securely access some primary care data to make decisions about a person’s care.

Stephen Kinnock said: “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% to 80%, including a meaningful increase since July 2024.

“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.

“As we shift more care out of hospital and into the community, digital transformation is critical to ensure we create a coordinated system of social care and primary care.”

The government is shifting more care out of hospitals and into the community by delivering neighbourhood health services nationwide to bring together primary care, community care and social care teams.

Digital social care records bring key information about people’s care together in one place including:

• personal and demographic information
• health conditions, including information on diagnoses, allergies and medical history
• treatment details including medication type, dosages and administration times
• care needs, care plans and individuals’ goals
• risk assessments, for example for falls, pressure sores or safeguarding
• all the care they have received, including information about meals, hydration, mobility support, interventions and social activities
• communication between their family and the care provider

Professor Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of National Care Forum said: “The ability to increase the rate of digital adoption across such a broad range of organisations, in such a broad range of settings within such a short time frame is a testament to everyone involved in the delivery of social care.

“This news reflects years of hard work and determination by organisations and people who are committed to ensuring that everyone who receives care and support is not left behind and excluded from the opportunities that digital transformation presents.

This is just the beginning of the digital potential for social care, and I look forward to the government working in partnership with the sector to build on the digital and data foundations this vital initiative has secured.”

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said: “Digital records are an important step forward, and many providers are already seeing the benefits in terms of safer, more coordinated and more efficient care. Today’s announcement recognises the dedication of providers and staff who have driven this change, often under very challenging circumstances.

At the same time, feedback from our members shows that the journey has not been straightforward. Providers have experienced significant variation in local delivery, complex administrative requirements, and uncertainty about the ongoing costs once initial funding ends. These practical challenges matter, and resolving them will be essential if digital transformation is to be sustained.

We look forward to continuing to work with the government so that future phases of this programme are shaped by the realities of frontline care and ensure that every provider, regardless of size or location, can participate fully in the digital future of social care.”

Care staff across shifts and settings can see the same information, supporting continuity of care, preventing errors caused by inaccurate records and crucially improving safety.

The government is also making it easier for care staff and NHS teams to see the same information to support a person’s care.

Through select digital social care records, social care staff in the appropriate roles can view limited information within GP records of those they care for using the NHS IT service GP Connect.

The information that can be securely accessed includes:

• Last three encounters of interaction with professionals at the GP.
• Details of current and previous medications
• Information on allergies and adverse reactions
• Active concerns and medical history
• Immunisation record
• Test results and referrals