Free mobile devices helping patients in Sunderland and South Tyneside with their health
A new scheme is improving people’s health in Sunderland and 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.
Funded through North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and supported by Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC), the scheme supports people who struggle to access vital health technology apps, information and support.
NHS staff can refer eligible patients to the scheme if they need mobile device and an app to manage a condition like diabetes, or to access their health records and appointments through the NHS app.
As well as improving access to healthcare, the programme gives a second life to unwanted digital devices through a secure refurbishment process before they are redistributed to people who need them most. Devices have already been donated from organisations such as Sunderland GP Alliance and Northumbria Water.
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.”
The scheme is part of the ICB’s 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.
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.”
Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria has worked with local partners to support the initiative and raise awareness among healthcare staff, so that eligible patients can benefit. The scheme is initially available to patients living in Sunderland and South Tyneside, who can be referred to Born Good by NHS staff in GP practices, community care, mental health or hospitals.
Learning from the scheme will help to shape opportunities for it to be extended across the wider region.
Dr Raj Bethapudi, a local GP and representative of Sunderland GP Alliance, said: “Every day we see how digital access can make it easier for patients to manage appointments, order prescriptions, access health information and stay in touch with our teams.
“However, for some people a lack of equipment or connectivity can be a real barrier. We are proud to support this initiative by donating our devices and helping more patients access the digital tools which can support their care.”