Near Me scoops prestigious Digital Public Services Award
Near Me , NHS Scotland ’ s online video consulting service , has lifted the Digital Public Services Award , which recognises the use of technology to deliver improvements in public services to the citizen , in the 2021 Scottish Public Service Awards .
Near Me , which came top of a shortlist of three impressive finalists , improves access by enabling people to have appointments from home and provides effective , safe care while reducing the spread of COVID-19 . Advantages over telephone appointments are that professionals can see their patient and multiple people – such as a consultant , relative or interpreter – can easily join a call .
Over the last 22 weeks , occupational therapists have conducted over 3,000 Near Me appointments – an average of 143 a week – to meet a diverse range of people ’ s needs , including : reviewing a baby ’ s development ; supporting a child with school activities at home ; pre and post-operative home environment assessments ; predischarge home visits ; enabling students to participate on patient interactions to support their learning ; and engaging in self-management conversations within primary care .
Occupational therapist Marc Beswick , who is currently seconded to the Scottish Government as the National Lead – Near Me Network , Technology Enabled Care Programme , accepted the award on the team ’ s behalf at an event on 8 December at Holyrood .
He told OTnews : ‘ In terms of receiving the award on behalf of the Near Me team , it was a very humbling experience being among others who are delivering such vital frontline services across the whole of Scotland during the pandemic . I would like to credit staff from across Scotland , who have embraced Near Me , the public and our partners who have helped us every step of the way .’
The Scottish Public Service Awards celebrate the daily contribution made to Scotland ’ s civic society from within the civil service , Scottish Government , Scottish Parliament , local government , health and social care sector , broader public sector and their partners within the third sector .
The awards recognised the rich and unique diversity of public life in Scotland and the vital relationships that cut across departmental , geographic and institutional boundaries .
Above : Marc Beswick collecting the award on behalf of the team
In terms of receiving the award on behalf of the Near Me team , it was a very humbling experience being among others who are delivering such vital frontline services across the whole of Scotland during the pandemic .”
Virtual placement café initiative to support innovative practice launching in 2022
RCOT is launching a new initiative aimed at occupational therapist educators , to support new ways of developing sustainable placement opportunities for preregistration learners .
The placement café will take place twice a month , with the aim to provide a space for practice educators to meet with other educators , share good practice , problem solve any challenges and bring innovative ideas to life .
© martin-dm via Getty Images
Carolyn Hay , RCOT , preregistration education manager said : ‘ I am excited to be trialling a new initiative to support practice educators , and those involved in supporting pre-registration practicebased learning .
‘ In talking with and listening to practice educators there is an enthusiasm to support new and innovative ways to develop sustainable placement opportunities for pre-registration learners and enable people to network with others hoping to achieve the same outcome .’ Carolyn . Hay @ rcot . co . uk for further information .
8 OTnews January 2022