NHSX has partnered with Facebook to provide 2,050 devices to help some of society’s most at-risk and isolated people access vital emotional support and companionship.
These devices developed by Facebook will be provided free to trusts, care homes and other healthcare settings. Accenture is supporting the programme and deployment of the devices.
It means thousands of people will be able to connect digitally with family and friends through video calls.
50 of the devices have already been deployed to pilot sites in Surrey, with Manchester, Newcastle and London and other areas to follow.
Iain O’Neil, Digital Transformation Director, NHSX said “Technology companies big and small continue to pledge their resources and expertise to support our NHS and social care system in these unprecedented times.”
“We are working hard to find and develop services that meet people’s equally unprecedented needs. Technology has never been so important to providing one of life’s most essential things – the ability to communicate with the people we love regardless of where they are.”
Helen Whately, Minister for Care said “Social distancing is tough on us all, and we must remember how beneficial interaction with loved ones is for our wellbeing.”
The portal devices were delivered to the pilot sites this week. NHSX is exploring connectivity options for care homes without wifi, including the use of 4G hotspots or data-enabled tablets and will also be providing advice to set-up the devices, infection control and data protection.
Freddy Abnousi, MD, Head of Health Technology, Facebook said “We designed Portal to give people an easy way to connect and be more present with their loved ones. With the global pandemic and social distancing measures, the ability to stay connected is more important than ever.”
“That’s why we are piloting a programme with NHSX to provide Portal devices in hospitals and other care settings to support patients and help reduce social isolation.”
