'Stay connected' - Scheme offers free devices for South Tyneside patients to help with their health
‘We provide quality devices, which are cleaned and checked before they are sent out.’
A new scheme is improving people's health in South Tyneside by offering refurbished mobile devices to patients who need them most.
The NHS-backed initiative, run by community interest company BornGood, will provide 350 refurbished smartphones, laptops and tablets as well as free sim cards and mobile data to eligible patients.
NHS staff can refer eligible patients to the scheme if they need moa bile device and an app to manage conditions like diabetes, or access their health records and appointments through the NHS app.
As well as improving access to healthcare, the programme makes use of unwanted digital devices, through a secure refurbishment process before they are redistributed.
The scheme is part of North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) Digital Inclusion Strategy, which aims to make better use of digital technologies in health and care, as well as making the benefits they bring accessible to more people in the region.
Claire Riley, chief corporate officer at North East and North Cumbria ICB, said: "Digital apps are now routinely used to support people with things like mental health, weight loss and long term conditions, as well as for getting appointments and medical support.
"Without these resources, it's harder to stay well and take care of your health. This is one of a string of projects working to reduce the health gap between our most deprived and most affluent communities."
Simon Burdus, Social Impact and Growth manager at BornGood CIC, said: "Too many people are missing out on opportunities to manage their health because they don't have access to a suitable device, or reliable internet connection.
“This scheme will help people to get online, access NHS services more easily and stay connected to the support they need. The devices we provide will include the NHS App and any other key health apps the patient might need.
“We provide quality devices, which are cleaned and checked before they are sent out. We also offer a 12-month warranty. By refurbishing and reusing devices, we are also creating social and environmental benefits for our communities."
The scheme is initially available to patients living in South Tyneside and Sunderland, who can be referred to Born Good by NHS staff in GP practices, community care, mental health or hospitals.