The Welsh Government has pledged £3 million for a Digital Inclusion and Health programme to get staff and patients making more use of technology.
It is planning to publish a tender this week for the running of the programme, which is set to begin in July of next year.
Health Secretary Vaughan Gething (pictured) announced the move, adding that it should also support people in accessing and managing their medical information online.
He emphasised that developing people’s basic digital skills is a priority for the Welsh Government and that it will help them to access health and social care services.
Speaking at the Digital Health and Care Conference in Cardiff, Gething said: “Having the skills and motivation to access digital health services can help people better manage their conditions, whilst helping to reduce the burden on under pressure NHS services.
“The National Survey for Wales 2017-18 showed that 60% of people in Wales aged 75 and over and 26% of disabled people are digitally excluded. These people are also more likely to access health and social care services than the rest of the population. It is vital we improve their ability to access digital services.”
Encourage investment
The Welsh Government’s most recent Digital Inclusion Progress Report highlighted its importance to the future delivery of health and social care, and said it would encourage the sector to invest in basic digital skills training for all staff.
In June Gething published the Healthier Wales plan, which focuses on the potential for digital and data to improve care and says an integrated platform will capture much more information about health and wellbeing outcomes. This will be used to prioritise services.
Image from Welsh Government, Open Government Licence
