A new app has been launched for Dumfries and Galloway families with children and young adults with complex needs.
The app, which is also available to education staff, provides instant access to the most relevant, up to date information and resources on a range of aspects such as health conditions, nutrition, finance and carer support.
It is hoped families having access to the information may reduce the need for hospital admissions, while for those in education it can help them support children, young adults and their families.
The app has been designed by Piota, who worked closely with local child and family experts.
Senior charge nurse and community children nurse, Sally Walton, said: “I’m delighted that the app is now available for families and education staff. I hope parents find it helpful in their everyday lives to have access to information and resource materials that are relevant and up to date. If using the app contributes in some way to preventing families from ending up at crisis point that will be a big success.
“It’s important that the public know anyone can use the app at any time. They don’t need to have a referral to the community children nurse team.
“As the clinical lead for this project I have worked closely with health, social care and education professionals to ensure that information on the app is research based, relevant, and up to date.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their input and time given to the development and creation of the app, and the team from Piota who made our vision for the app real.”
The Scottish Government’s Whole Family Wellbeing Fund provided the £8,000 needed for the initial development of the app.
The app will be shared with families when they come into contact with the community children nurse team and also within education settings by education staff. The community children nurse team will monitor its use and effectiveness making improvements or changes as required.
