techUK’s Social Care Working Group: October 2021
Update from NHSX – Emma Harris, Assistant Director of Digital Social Care Transformation
We were joined by Emma for an update on ongoing work at NHSX around digitising social care. Emma outlined that NHSX have conducted research and recognise that most social care professionals do not feel they have access to an appropriate digital solution, with 90% of hospital discharges still received by letter.
Emma recognised that although digitising social care is a broad statement, NHSX are aware that it is by the introduction of digital solutions that we will be able to gain benefits both within the NHS and social care.
Outlining some of the innovation technology solutions recently trialled, Emma spoke to the success of acoustic monitoring in achieving a reduction in falls and subsequent hospital admissions. In September NHSX also launched a supportive fund, meaning that Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) may make an application for social care records or falls prevention tech, with the ability to fund up to areas.
Other areas of focus include digital social care records, for which there are already seven pilots up and running, as well as the standards and regulation space, in which NHSX are creating a priority list for social care.
Show & Tell – Vivek Patni, CEO of WeMa
This section of the Working Group session is designed to further collaboration and foster growth in the social care tech sector, hearing from a member on who they are, the social problems their tech solves, and the opportunities they see for other members to partner with them. This presentation from WeMa’s Vivek Patni forms the second in techUK’s social care digital marketplace, an area for members and stakeholders to browse. You can see the first session from IEG4 here.
You can watch Vivek, CEO, WeMa, here:
Upcoming sessions and how to get involved
This working group meets at least once each quarter. Our next session will be held on Thursday 20 January, 10:00 – 11:45am.
If you would like to be part of this growing and thriving tech community then you can do so by signing up here.
If you are a public sector stakeholder and would like to present at a future meeting, share your vision and challenges, and access the latest social care innovations, get in touch with Georgina and Alex below.
Alex Lawrence
Alex Lawrence
Alex joined techUK in July 2021 as Programme Manager for Health and Social Care. Since July 2023 Alex has led the Programme.
Alex formerly worked at Portland Communications, joining as part of their 2019 Graduate Scheme intake. In March 2020 she joined Portland’s Health team, supporting a range of clients in the life sciences industry across both public affairs and strategic communications.
Alex has a degree in History from the University of Cambridge, focussing on Early Modern Europe and material culture. Outside of work she enjoys reading, finding new places to eat, and running.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07963 501 791
- LinkedIn:
- linkedin.com/in/alex-lawrence-509a8b166
Robert Walker
Robert Walker
Robert joined techUK in October 2022, where he is now Programme Manager for Health and Social Care.
Robert previously worked at the Pension Protection Fund, within the policy and public affairs team. Prior to this, he worked at the Scottish Parliament, advising politicians and industry stakeholders on a wide range of issues, including rural crime and health policies.
Robert has a degree in Politics and International Relations (MA Hons) from the University of Aberdeen, with a particular focus on strategic studies and energy security. Outside of work he enjoys activities such as running, rugby, boxing and cooking!
- Email:
- [email protected]
Viola Pastorino
Viola Pastorino
Viola Pastorino is a policy, governance, and strategic communication specialist.
She joined techUK as the Junior Programme Manager in the Health and Care Team in April 2024.
She has obtained a Bachelor of Sciences in Governance, Economics, and Development from Leiden University, and a Master's programme in Strategic Communications at King's College London. Her academic background, leading up to a dissertation on AI policy influence and hands-on campaign development, is complemented by practical experience in international PR and grassroots project management.
She is skilled in qualitative and quantitative analysis and comfortable communicating findings to varying stakeholders. Above all, she is deeply passionate about the intersection of technology and government, especially how technology and global discourse shape one another, the processes that lead to belief polarisation and radicalisation of communities, and crafting strategic narratives that steer public discourse.
Outside of work she loves reading, live music light operation, and diving.
Clara Hewitt
Clara Hewitt
Clara joined techUK in October 2023. She brings experience across a range of domestic and global health issues, with particular focus on digital health, HIV/AIDS and climate change and health.
Clara holds an MSc in Global Health and Development (University College London) and a BSc in Psychology (University of Birmingham).
Georgina Maratheftis
Georgina Maratheftis
Georgina is techUK’s Associate Director for Local Public Services
Georgina works with suppliers that are active or looking to break into the market as well as with local public services to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. techUK regularly bring together local public services and supplier community to horizon scan and explore how the technologies of today and tomorrow can help solve some of the most pressing problems our communities face and improve outcomes for our people and places.
Prior to techUK, Georgina worked for a public policy events company where she managed the policy briefing division and was responsible for generating new ideas for events that would add value to the public sector. Georgina worked across a number of portfolios from education, criminal justice, and health but had a particular interest in public sector transformation and technology. Georgina also led on developing relationships across central and local government.
If you’d like to learn more about techUK, or want to get involved, get in touch.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2029
- Twitter:
- @GeorginaMarath
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgina-maratheftis-0a002a102/
Ileana Lupsa
Ileana Lupsa
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Twitter:
- @IleanaLupsa
- Website:
- www.techUK.org
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/ileana-lupsa