NHS App offers support to families of children with complex care needs in Dumfries & Galloway
The app is providing information to help families cope at home
Last updated 9th Nov 2023
An app launched by NHS Dumfries & Galloway is helping provide support families who have children and young adults with complex care needs.
Since its launch around a month ago, the health board have noted a positive uptake. The app is also being used by education staff working closely with the children.
The new piece of technology provides instant access to relevant, up to date information, and resources on a wide range of aspects of health and wellbeing.
The app was designed and created by London based software company Piota, who worked closely with child and family experts.
It provides support to families outwith a hospital setting
Designed to help families cope at home, it’s hoped that having access to resources on the app will support the care of children and young adults, and might reduce the need for some hospital admissions.
Sally Walton, a Senior Charge Nurse and clinical lead for the project says: “I’m delighted that the app is now available for families and education staff. I hope parents find it helpful in their everyday lives to have access to information and resource materials that are relevant and up to date.
“If using the app contributes in some way to preventing families from ending up at crisis point that will be a big success.
“It’s important that the public know anyone can use the app at any time. They don’t need to have a referral to the community children nurse team.
“As the clinical lead for this project I have worked closely with health, social care and education professionals to ensure that information on the app is research based, relevant, and up to date.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their input and time given to the development and creation of the app, and the team from Piota who made our vision for the app real.”
The health board are taking a look at uptake statistics, and will be taking feedback into consideration to see where the app could go in the future.