Kevin Ireson, the Sales Director at Mobile Rocket Ltd, explains how NHS 0-19 services and Family Hubs are being revolutionised through digital innovation
In the UK, the speed of digital innovation within NHS 0-19 services and Family Hubs is astounding! The digitalisation of services is opening up access to healthcare and improving outcomes up and down the country.
Healthcare workers and nurses use modern technology, like smartphone apps, to directly connect with families and provide a holistic approach to care in the community. This approach promotes health and well-being from pregnancy to age 19, offering a vital communication link between healthcare providers and the local community.
Opening up access and support to families
Today’s families increasingly expect to access key public services anytime, anywhere, from their devices. NHS 0-19 services and Family Hubs are adapting to these changing expectations by creating safe, digital spaces that empower healthcare workers to deliver seamless support and healthcare resources.
In the past, NHS service providers often struggled to navigate the complexities of software development. They faced challenges building digital solutions that streamlined local care and ensured families received timely, relevant health information – new innovations have simplified the process.
Today, off-the-shelf solutions have removed much of this technical burden. Well-established and proven apps now allow NHS 0-19 services to support key objectives of the Department of Health’s Healthy Child Programme. These apps encourage developmental reviews, promote health information dissemination, and enable early intervention, all in a user-friendly, accessible way.
Key features for engaging families effectively
For healthcare providers to reach and engage families directly, a few core features are essential:
On-demand professional health advice
Parents and caregivers can benefit from instant access to healthcare professionals for questions and advice. This timely support can reduce the need for in-person appointments or lengthy waits for phone consultations – fostering faster resolutions and building trust.
Real-time notifications and document reminders
Families are notified instantly about important updates, appointment reminders, and documents, ensuring that no critical information is overlooked – supporting smooth service delivery.
Educational resources for empowerment
Interactive educational content on nutrition, emotional health, and parenting helps families make informed choices – promoting community knowledge and self-care.
Engagement tools for health tracking
Families and healthcare workers can track key health metrics such as nutrition, growth, and mental health. They can also have more meaningful discussions with healthcare practitioners during reviews, optimising developmental outcomes.
Transforming Family Hubs through digital innovation
Traditionally, Family Hubs have provided local communities with resources, support, and a safe space to access in-person healthcare services. Rocket Healthcare’s app takes this mission further, extending Family Hubs’ reach and making resources available around the clock.
“The app, developed by our Health Visiting Team in partnership with families, offers general advice for parents, from pregnancy to getting their child ready for school. We hope it provides confidence and support to parents raising happy, healthy children.”
– Deputy Chief Operating Officer at a Central England NHS Trust (1)
Family Hub Torbay, Redcar and Cleveland 0-19 Family Hubs, and Rotherham’s Children’s Public Health Nursing Service now provide an interactive virtual space offering convenient, on-demand access to health advice, helping families engage with support whenever they need it and navigate the complexities of child health more effectively than ever.
Data security and compliance at the core
Security, data protection, and compliance with clinical standards are critical to the safe operation and delivery of healthcare services. That is why, Rocket Healthcare has achieved the following accreditations to reflect our commitment to maintaining a secure, compliant digital solution aligned with NHS standards: DSPT (Data Security and Protection Toolkit), DCB0129 Clinical Risk Management, and Cyber Essentials Plus.
A digital solution for a healthier future
Rocket Healthcare’s solution empowers families, strengthens community ties, and connects healthcare workers to create a more integrated approach to family health. General Manager from a West Yorkshire Children’s Service provider, shared how the impact the app has made,
“We are thrilled to launch our 0-19 Service App. This app provides parents and families easy access to reliable, trusted information on health and well-being. It’s free to download and supports our mission of keeping communities happy, healthy, and safe. We’re excited to continue developing the app with user feedback and plan to launch additional features, including a virtual chat function.” (2)
Empowering families through digital health
Rocket Healthcare’s app shows how technology can enhance the human touch rather than replace it. By enabling Family Hubs and NHS Trusts to deliver more proactive, accessible, and responsive care, Rocket Healthcare sets a new standard for family and community health services, providing beacons of support and reassurance for families navigating the healthcare system. By embracing digital innovation, 0-19 NHS services and Family Hubs are building a healthier, more connected future for families and communities alike.
This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
