Frome GP surgery finalist for digital inclusion award

A Frome doctors’ surgery has been shortlisted for a national award for its work on digital inclusion.

Frome Medical Practice is a finalist in the Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA UK) Awards in the category ‘Digital Inclusion Champion – Charities and Communities.’ The winner will be announced in a ceremony in London on 13th November.

Digital Community Connectors at Frome Medical Practice Will Palmer said, “Digital exclusion remains a critical issue, with a lack of digital skills and access linked to poorer health outcomes and lower life expectancy, increased loneliness and social isolation, reduced access to jobs and education, and financial exclusion.

“Furthermore, as essential government services and democratic processes increasingly move online, those excluded risk losing their voice and visibility in the modern world.”

ISPA, alongside its charity partner Good Things Foundation, celebrates the outstanding efforts being made to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital inclusion. Their awards aim to highlight the crucial work of charities, community groups and industry leaders dedicated to connecting those in need.

In the past 12 months, Frome Medical Practice has worked to improve digital inclusion across the town by supporting residents facing barriers to using technology.

The practice has provided free digital health pop-up sessions in high-footfall areas, including the library, supermarkets, the Fair Frome food bank, and the practice itself. Thirteen hours of digital support are offered weekly, and the team has helped patients access online NHS services such as appointment booking, prescription ordering and video consultations. The practice has also worked with local and national partners, such as Donate IT, to provide free devices and mobile data to patients without access to this technology.

Chief Executive Officer of Good Things Foundation, Helen Milner OBE, said, “The exceptional volume and calibre of applications for the Charities and Communities Digital Inclusion Award underscored the vital digital inclusion work happening across the UK. The chosen finalists thought-fully presented impactful projects that tackle both digital access and skills, and we look forward to celebrating their achieve-ments at the November awards ceremony.”

Will added, “While challenges remain, particularly for those who haven’t grown up in a digital world, our digital health support has already transformed how thousands of our patients engage with digital healthcare. Since launching our initiative, we’ve supported over 3,500 patients, helping them improve their digital skills and improving their access to digital healthcare.”

To find out more about the digital health support available to patients registered at Frome Medical Practice, visit https://www.frome-medicalpractice.co.uk/digital-health-support

Pictured: Steven James a Digital Health Connector with Frome Medical Practice