The move from paper-based systems to digital platforms is saving care workers considerable time. Industry estimates suggest that the digital-first approach could save around 30 million administrative hours each year, giving each care worker at least 20 minutes per shift that can now be spent on direct care.
Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, visited Kallar Lodge, a 24/7 residential care home in Dagenham, to see DSCRs in action and speak to staff about the improvements to their roles. The home’s digital system is integrated with the London Shared Care Record, allowing care staff to securely access certain primary care data to inform decisions about a person’s care.
Stephen Kinnock said:
“This government is driving digital innovation. Digital care records are making a major difference for people receiving care and their carers. The number of care providers using them has doubled from 40% to 80%, with a meaningful increase since July 2024.
“A one-stop-shop for a person’s care information – securely available to carers – reduces paperwork, helps prevent errors, and gives carers more time to care.
“As more care shifts from hospitals into the community, digital transformation is critical to creating a coordinated system across social and primary care.”
The government’s neighbourhood health services programme is central to this shift, bringing together primary care, community care, and social care teams to provide integrated support.
Digital social care records consolidate key information about a person’s care, including:
- Personal and demographic details
- Health conditions, diagnoses, allergies, and medical history
- Treatment information, including medications, dosages, and administration times
- Care needs, care plans, and individual goals
- Risk assessments, including falls, pressure sores, or safeguarding concerns
- Details of all care received, including meals, hydration, mobility support, interventions, and social activities
- Communication between family members and care providers
Professor Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum, said:
“The rapid increase in digital adoption across such a wide range of organisations demonstrates the dedication of everyone involved in social care. This reflects years of hard work to ensure people receiving care are not left behind in the digital transformation of the sector.
“This is just the beginning, and we look forward to building on the foundations this initiative has secured.”
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, added:
“Digital records are an important step forward, providing safer, more coordinated, and more efficient care. Providers and staff have shown remarkable commitment under challenging circumstances.
“However, the journey has not been straightforward. Providers have faced variations in local delivery, complex administrative requirements, and uncertainty over ongoing costs. Addressing these challenges is essential to sustaining digital transformation.”
Digital records allow care staff across shifts and settings to access the same information, supporting continuity of care, reducing errors, and improving safety. NHS teams can also view relevant information through the GP Connect service, enabling better coordination between health and social care.
Information accessible via DSCRs includes:
- Last three interactions with GP professionals
- Current and previous medications
- Allergies and adverse reactions
- Active concerns and medical history
- Immunisation records
- Test results and referrals
