Harrogate firm launches new app in partnership with West Yorkshire NHS to support unpaid carers
An innovative business whose founder lives near Harrogate has launched a new app to help unpaid carers.
Care Networx has announced the launch of Share2Care, a new consumer-led carer app that is now being rolled out in West Yorkshire.
Developed with carers and families, the app enables users to manage everyday caring responsibilities, collaborate with their circle of care and securely submit a digital contingency plan into the NHS patient record, helping the right information to be visible if an emergency arises.
Share2Care supports key NHS priorities, including analogue to digital transformation, hospital to community care and improved interoperability.
It was commissioned by NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board to support delivery of the NHS Long Term Plan commitment to improve carer contingency planning. The plan aims to help carers by ensuring healthcare professionals can see that a contingency plan is in place and quickly access the information needed to put those arrangements into action when they are required.
It is hoped that the app could be adopted by other NHS regions in the future.
The launch comes at a time of increasing pressure on unpaid carers. More than 600 people a day are leaving work to care for older and disabled relatives. While new rights for carers are being introduced, a gap remains in the tools available to help people manage care alongside work and other responsibilities.
Share2Care addresses this by enabling carers to coordinate support through a trusted “circle of care”, bringing together family members and friends. The app provides a shared space for communication, coordination and administration. It is accessible using users’ NHS login details, providing a secure and trusted way to manage care information.
Alexis Twigg, founder of Care Networx, said: “Care has always happened in the community, led by families and unpaid carers – but the system has never truly seen it. Share2Care changes that by enabling carers to record and share information in a way that can support better decisions across the health and care system.”
Kulvant Sandhu, senior programme manager for unpaid carers at the NHS care board said: "We are delighted to have commissioned Share2Care, an innovative digital solution. By supporting carers in their day-to-day role, it offers greater peace of mind and reassurance that arrangements are in place when they are needed most."