Debbie Harris

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Social Worker

Richmond Local Authority

Biography: I am a Social Worker in a Hospital Discharge Team, which is a multidisciplinary team. I have been in the team for over 10 years. I started as a Social Care Assessor and qualified as a Social Worker in September 2023. In my team I support with arranging packages of care / pendant alarms from hospital, working closely with our hospital discharge teams. I work with clients in their own homes and care homes to establish long term care and support. I support clients to remain as independent as possible and provide resources including digital technology and referrals to other services within Adult Social Care and within the community.

South West London ICL Digital Pioneer Fellowship project summary: To ensure that essential digital technology equipment, like pendant alarms, are installed/supplied promptly to reduce the delay in discharge from hospital. My objectives are to ensure Richmond residents have the pendant alarms (which are essential for discharge) in place on the same day of discharge and further then implement the pendant alarms in hospitals. This will ensure residents can have the pendant alarm prior to leaving the hospital.

Estimated number of patients / staff impacted by the project: 10-80.

Goal(s) for time on the South West London ICL Digital Pioneer Fellowship: Joining the fellowship will enhance my digital technology expertise, enabling residents to access information and equipment for better care and independence. It will develop my leadership and training skills, improve networking with organisations, and support implementing positive changes for residents, council, and NHS.