Black Country MASH Team use Shared Care Record to Better Support Vulnerable Adults & Children

The Black Country region in the UK, encompassing areas like Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, has seen an improvement in safeguarding practices through the adoption of the One Health and Care shared care record. This digital tool, powered by Graphnet, integrates health and social care records from multiple providers such as hospitals, GPs, and social services into a unified, secure, and accessible format.

Challenge

Historically, safeguarding efforts faced delays due to the time-intensive process of collecting critical information from multiple agencies, which often required days of follow-up with various providers. For Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH), which are tasked with the responsibility of assessing and intervening in cases involving vulnerable adults and children, these delays could hinder timely decision making essential for the safety of at-risk individuals.

Solution

The One Health and Care shared care record system was introduced to MASH teams in Walsall in April 2023, with subsequent rollouts across the Black Country. This system aggregates data from healthcare and social care providers, offering MASH teams immediate access to vital information.

According to Maria Kilcoyne, Associate Director of Nursing for Safeguarding and Partnerships at the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board:

This instant access enables more timely, informed and multi-agency decision-making, which is crucial when risks of harm are identified.

Results

The project followed a structured methodology to ensure effective care delivery and integration. Key steps included:

1. Speed and Accuracy of Information Access: MASH teams report that they now retrieve information immediately rather than over days, streamlining the intervention process
2. Comprehensive Data Collection: All nurses involved in a Walsall evaluation expressed that the shared care record allowed for quicker access to a broader range of healthcare information, including records of out-of-area health visits.
3. Enhanced Regional Coordination: The record system’s integration extends beyond the Black Country to neighbouring regions, including Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, and Shropshire. This wider scope has expanded the visibility of patient interactions and supported more cohesive safeguarding efforts.

Lesa Robinson, Assistant Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children and Adults in Walsall praised the system as:

Transformative for enhancing public safety and well-being in the Black Country.

Future Plans

The Black Country MASH teams, supported by Graphnet Health’s technology, aim to enhance the functionality of One Health and Care further. By expanding the system’s use, they plan to continue supporting proactive and preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

The Black Country’s implementation of One Health and Care illustrates the impact of streamlined, accessible healthcare data on safeguarding practices. This integration demonstrates how digital innovation can foster efficiency, enhance multi-agency collaboration, and, ultimately, improve safety outcomes for at-risk individuals.