The Partnership’s Lanarkshire-wide Paediatric Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy digital transformation project was a finalist at the national Digital Health and Care Awards. The event recognises the achievements of the individuals and teams working in the health, social care and housing sectors whose creativity and innovation continues to put Scotland at the forefront of the digital revolution.The project, which was shortlisted in the highly competitive Digital Service Transformation category, developed a range of resources, including a huge library of video and social media material and content, to support staff education and excellent care. The work is now recognised as good practice and has been replicated by health and care professionals in other areas of the UK. 
Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: “Our Paediatric Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy teams created a potent blend of content with innovation and compassion. The benefits have been felt by people in our care and staff alike. 
“This recognition demonstrates creative, local reinvention by necessity as we negotiated national and global challenges.
“I’m exceptionally proud and privileged to work with outstanding staff and extend my sincere thanks to them – and all our teams and services –  who continue to work extremely hard for the people of Lanarkshire.”
Notes to Editors: Fact file undernoted. 
The programme is the latest example of South Lanarkshire HSCP’s success on the national stage.
At the turn of the year, the Partnership celebrated a treble haul of trophies from a variety of prestigious award events – marking outstanding staff achievement across a diverse range of health and social care services.
Lesley McDonald, Chair of South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board, added: “The most recent acknowledgment, at Holyrood Connect’s event, is yet more concrete evidence of continuing achievement and exemplary professionalism.
“This is also demonstrative of a wider commitment to quality care and sustainability as we look to negotiate a well-publicised, challenging financial landscape.
“My congratulations to all involved.”

FACT FILE:

Paediatric Physiotherapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) digital transformation project

Prior to the pandemic, the Paediatric Physiotherapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) developed paper based resources to equip staff with educational material and support patients with recovery. Covid-19 saw contact restricted, paper-based distribution stopped in its tracks - with a significant amount of the services’ staff being redeployed in the emergency response to ensure people’s safety.
The remaining OT/PT service developed a range of digital assets to not only meet local staff and patient need – but significantly enhance service. 
This included:
•        Preventative approach and promoting well-being for children and young people. Videos were designed for both parents and young people with details of skills and tasks to support their needs. A total of 120 videos were developed.
•         Videos containing specific advice and signposting to programmes, workshops and learning, to improve overall wellbeing. 40 videos were made and shared. 
•         In terms of staff education, digital media teams were established, creating a framework for training videos for all staff, giving them confidence and skills to produce peer-reviewed digital resources efficiently and sustainably.
•         Resources were shared widely through social media for public and existing internal channels for staff.