New projects to improve social care in East Ayrshire.

East Ayrshire Council is set to revolutionize its health and social care services through the introduction of two innovative projects aimed at enhancing service delivery and generating cost savings.

The first project focuses on early interventions and empowering individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing in a cost-effective manner. Building on the progress made over the past five years in leveraging digital technologies, the council is now looking to expand access to technology across the population and implement cutting-edge solutions in care and support services.

One key aspect of this initiative is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the Care at Home Staff Management System. This groundbreaking project will introduce a digitally enhanced monitoring, scheduling, and management system that enhances service quality and optimizes face-to-face care time.

By transitioning from paper-based to real-time digital service delivery, the new systems will incorporate dynamic scheduling powered by AI, automating visit assignments and streamlining capacity management. This efficiency boost will enable quicker decision-making on care service requests and reduce the administrative burden on staff.

These projects, alongside three others, are part of the East Ayrshire Innovation Fund, dedicated to driving service improvements in a cost-effective manner. In addition to enhancing service quality, some projects are expected to generate financial savings, which will be reinvested in future innovation endeavors.

Aside from technology-focused projects, the council is also implementing initiatives such as an online literacy resource, upgrading cashless catering systems in schools, and piloting robotic cleaners at selected campuses. These diverse projects underscore the council’s commitment to innovation across various service areas.

Councillor Douglas Reid, the council leader, expressed optimism about the potential impact of these projects on service delivery and the quality of life for residents. He emphasized the importance of leveraging digital technology, smart tools, and AI to drive positive outcomes, including early intervention programs and collaborative partnerships.

Reid also highlighted the council’s dedication to monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these initiatives, with a focus on gathering feedback from staff and service users to assess the benefits brought about by these innovative projects.