Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICS looks to join up health and care

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System (ICS) has awarded Graphnet Health a contract to join up health and care services across the county.

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin STP [sustainability and transformation partnership] became an Integrated Care System (ICS) in April 2021 with the aim to provide more joined up care.

Health and care professionals in neighbouring Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are already using the Graphnet solution to power the region’s shared care record – known locally as One Health and Care.

The shared care record will be extended to include the organisations and populations of the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICS. This means One Health and Care will support 1.6 million residents when the extension is complete.

As a result, health and care professionals will have secure access to a comprehensive and up-to-date record for the individuals in their care.

It is hoped the shared record will improve decision making and reduce duplication. The aim is also to prevent individuals being asked for information repeatedly and ensuring that their care preferences are shared and understood by all those caring for them.

Brian Waters, CEO of Graphnet, said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin with its ICS development plan. Our shared care record solutions are aligned with the central aim of integrated care systems to deliver better coordinated services and improved population health.

“We are excited to be supporting the region to break down barriers between organisations and to help improve care for local residents.”