2024 has seen the Welsh Community Care Information System (WCCIS) Programme transform into Connecting Care. This change marks a significant shift in the programme’s direction and reflects its expanding role in improving health and care in Wales.
Here we discuss why this change happened and what it means for the future work of the programme.
Over the past two years, the programme, sponsored by Welsh Government, underwent a major reset and revaluation after an independent Strategic Review in early 2022.
This review made a number of recommendations, including a suggestion for the programme to rethink its name and branding at an appropriate time. Following an exercise last year to ensure clear and consisting of branding across DHCW’s portfolio of systems and services, it was deemed the right time for the WCCIS Programme to undertake that change.
As of March 1, 2024, all work relating to the replacement of the existing solution, previously known as Phase 2, became Connecting Care.
The existing solution, which has over 18,500 users, represents almost 70% of dependent organisations across Wales.
However, changing our name to Connecting Care signifies a new phase in the programme, which has expanded to encompass procuring a replacement for the existing solution with commercial off the shelf products that provide access to relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information on patient care and treatment that is shared across health and social care.
This work will also support the ongoing digitisation of community, mental health and social care services across Wales to a scale and complexity far greater than many other strategic digital initiatives.
The Connecting Care programme is expected to impact and benefit almost the entire population of Wales, including 40,000 health and local authority end users across 18 local authorities and seven health boards.
By working with stakeholders, Connecting Care aims to deliver better, more joined up care for the people of Wales. It will give staff the digital tools they need to collaborate and share information for the benefit of citizens.
In case of queries, please email the National Programme Team at ConnectingCare.Programme@wales.nhs.uk