Care homes are being offered help to get an adequate internet connection to support residents during the COVID-19 crisis.
NHSX and NHS Digital are working with leading telecoms companies to ensure care providers can offer remote GP consultations, digital ordering of prescriptions and other remote communications with health and care professionals, families and loved ones.
NHS Digital is also providing free NHS Mail accounts to care homes to protect residents’ data.
According to the CQC and BT Openreach around 7,000 care homes in England have an inadequate internet connection and only one third is fully digital.
“Being online is crucial to enable access to services such as video consultations or secure email,” says NHSX ceo Matthew Gould. “It can also allow residents to stay connected to family and friends.”
NHS Digital has also published user-friendly guidance to help care homes choose the internet package they need.
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