Four in five providers using digital social care records

Last Updated on December 8, 2025

Four in five care providers are now using digital social care records, according to the latest Department of Health and Social Care figures.

Digital social care records fall under Government’s plan to develop a Single Patient Record as part of the 10 Year Health Plan. The Single Patient Record, which is being designed to national security standards, puts patients’ data and information in one place, recording their medical history and needs that can be viewed by the appropriate health professionals across the system. They also allow care plans to be completed and signed off in three days instead of seven, and for them to be reviewed in half an hour instead of four hours.

Digital social care records bring key information about people’s care together in one place including:

Personal and demographic information.
Health conditions, including information on diagnoses, allergies and medical history.
Treatment details including medication type, dosages and administration times.
Care needs, care plans and individuals’ goals.
Risk assessments, for example for falls, pressure sores or safeguarding.
All the care they have received, including information about meals, hydration, mobility support, interventions and social activities.
Communication between their family and the care provider.

According to Government, it is also making it easier for care staff and NHS teams to see the same information to support a person’s care. Through select digital social care records, social care staff in the appropriate roles can view limited information within GP records of those they care for using the NHS IT service GP Connect.

The information that can be securely accessed includes:

Last three encounters of interaction with professionals at the GP.
Details of current and previous medications.
Information on allergies and adverse reactions.
Active concerns and medical history.
Immunisation record.
Test results and referrals.

Government estimates that 30 million administrative hours will be saved per year through its digital first approach so carers can spend more time looking after those with care needs, giving back at least 20 minutes per care worker per shift.

Commenting on the latest figures, Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock said, 'This Government is driving digital innovation, and digital care records are making a major difference for people drawing on care and their carers – with the number of care providers using them doubling from 40% to 80%, including a meaningful increase since July 2024.

'A one-stop-shop for a person’s care information – securely available to carers – cuts paperwork, helps reduce errors and gives carers more time to care. As we shift more care out of hospital and into the community, digital transformation is critical to ensure we create a coordinated system of social care and primary care.'

Professor Vic Rayner OBE, Chief Executive Officer at National Care Forum, said, 'The ability to increase the rate of digital adoption across such a broad range of organisations, in such a broad range of settings within such a short time frame is a testament to everyone involved in the delivery of social care.

'This news reflects years of hard work and determination by organisations and people who are committed to ensuring that everyone who receives care and support is not left behind and excluded from the opportunities that digital transformation presents.

'This is just the beginning of the digital potential for social care, and I look forward to the Government working in partnership with the sector to build on the digital and data foundations this vital initiative has secured.'

Deborah Rozansky, Director of Policy, Research and Information at the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), said, 'This is a significant achievement for a sector that started from a position where only around 40% of providers were fully digitised, and many were still reliant on paper-based records.

'Reaching the point where 80% of care providers are using digital social care records represents a fundamental shift in how care is planned, delivered and monitored. It also reflects the enormous commitment shown by providers, care staff, people who draw on care and support, local systems and national partners to modernise social care in challenging circumstances.

'The Government’s ambition for a left shift and to move from analogue to digital is only possible if strong digital foundations are in place. Greater uptake of digital social care records supports more joined-up assessments, better shared decision-making and a clearer, more complete picture of a person across health and social care.

'As the sector moves forward, the focus must now be on ensuring that digitisation is inclusive, well-supported and genuinely improves outcomes for people who rely on care and support every day.'

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive at Care England, said, 'Digital records are an important step forward, and many providers are already seeing the benefits in terms of safer, more coordinated and more efficient care. Today's announcement recognises the dedication of providers and staff who have driven this change, often under very challenging circumstances.

'At the same time, feedback from our members shows that the journey has not been straightforward. Providers have experienced significant variation in local delivery, complex administrative requirements, and uncertainty about the ongoing costs once initial funding ends. These practical challenges matter, and resolving them will be essential if digital transformation is to be sustained.

'We look forward to continuing to work with the Government so that future phases of this programme are shaped by the realities of frontline care and ensure that every provider, regardless of size or location, can participate fully in the digital future of social care.'

Michelle Corrigan, Chief Executive at Digital Care Hub, said, 'We know how hard care providers have worked to increase their use of digital records – and to do it safely. The figures announced by the Department reflect our experience where we have seen a rapid growth in use of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) – the official self-assessment tool on data protection and cyber security – from just 15% in 2021 to 76% in 2025.

'We are particularly pleased to see the explicit reference to linking digital social care records, which meet data standards, with the Single Patient Record – that is the vision we are all working towards. We also welcome the clarification of what a "fully digitised care provider" is: "A CQC registered care provider that is using an assured Digital Social Care Record solution AND meeting the Standards Met level on the Data Security and Protection Toolkit."

'Digital Care Hub will continue to support all care providers as they navigate their digital journey safely. This is enabled by our successful bid for £21m of funding to 2029 – and the dedication and positivity of care staff, managers and owners.'

In other news, a new report into the UK’s homecare sector has revealed major information gaps that leave carers working with incomplete NHS data.