Scottish Executive integrates social care data and procurement

The Scottish Executive has signed a national IT contract with outsourcer Anite to integrate its social care IT framework with social care databases held by Scottish local authorities.

The supplier’s Swift social care solution will be integrated with the Scottish Executive’s eCare Multi-Agency Stores system.

As a result, social care practitioners will have access to critical data from other agencies, ultimately improving protection and support for vulnerable sections of society.

Anite said the move means its existing nine Scottish local authority customers will also benefit from a more integrated and cost-effective implementation process, through shared procurement.

Hazel McMorrow, head of performance and resources at Stirling council and chair of the Swift user group, said, “The national contract is a significant milestone in achieving the effective sharing of data across the Scottish public sector.

“By integrating information systems, service providers will be able to work more effectively with colleagues from other agencies. The benefits include better-informed services, enhanced decision-making processes and, ultimately, improved outcomes for citizens receiving social care.”

Peter Russell, head of the efficient government group at the Scottish Executive, said, “Shared procurement represents one of the most significant financial opportunities in aggregating and optimising the considerable public sector spend in Scotland. This model of procurement is one that could be used for any vendor who has multiple installations of their product in Scotland.”