In March, DHSC and MHCLG announced that funding would be available to innovators who can find digital ways to support people who need help during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This ‘TechForce19’ challenge aims to support those who are particularly vulnerable or isolated as a result of the outbreak and need help. This includes people who need mental health support or who have social care needs.
The response to this challenge was extremely strong, with over 1,600 innovations submitted and last week TechForce19 announced that SureCert has been selected as one of these 18 innovative digital solutions.
NHSX has been working with partners PUBLIC and the AHSN Network to run the fast-track competition for innovators, creating a pool of ready to go technologies that have the potential to be rapidly scaled regionally and nationally.
Following an assessment process, led by Public and working with the AHSN Network, NHSX and representatives from local authority, care and mental health sectors, 18 companies have been selected and awarded up to £25,000 to take part in a rapid testing phase.
SureCert is delighted to have been selected as part of this challenge. As a result of the funding, SureCert will enable the recruitment and triaging of non-contact volunteers into non-clinical workers in Care Homes and Domiciliary Care. An initial pilot is planned to kick off in the next few weeks.
This pilot testing phase will last for two to three weeks and will be followed by an assessment to better understand the potential and scope for accelerated deployment at scale, based on the evidence generated by the pilot.
Avoiding contact with others and staying at home is incredibly important, but it’s also incredibly tough. Our technology sector has the talent and ability to help us meet the new challenges this has created and support unmet need.
This trial and deployment are a sign of rapid innovation which is set to benefit many thousands of people.
Iain O’Neil, NHSX Director of Digital Transformation, said:
“The TechForce19 challenge has harnessed some of the incredible talent we have in our tech sector, to help the most vulnerable and many of the problems created by isolation lend themselves to digital solutions – we hope this process will help people take advantage of the potential that digital technology offers.”
Simon Clarke MP, Minister of State, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:
“In these difficult times, it is inspiring to see how innovative, digital solutions can help combat the effects of social isolation and support some of the most vulnerable people during the pandemic.”
For more information, click here: https://techforce19.uk/
