East Kent Colleges Group launches upskilling assistive technology courses for within health and social care

As part of the Local Skills Improvement Funding from the UK Government, East Kent Colleges (EKC) Group has launched assistive technology suites and new courses at three of its colleges.

The group says the new initiative will help to shape the future of health and care services in East Kent, leaving those who partake in the courses equipped to deal with real-life scenarios and achieve fulfilling careers.

According to the World Health Organisation, globally, more than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products. With an ageing global population and a rise in noncommunicable diseases, an estimated 3.5 billion people will need assistive technology by 2050.

In a bid to tackle the need, care professionals can embark on the opportunity to upskill in assistive technology at EKC Group and contribute to society’s drive toward a future where the sector is more efficient, according the group’s statement.

Professional demonstration rooms are strategically located across its Colleges in Broadstairs, Canterbury, and Folkestone. These fully equipped demo rooms proudly showcase cutting-edge technology, empowering care professionals to engage in real-life scenarios, ensuring they are always prepared for a range of care situations, it added.

Using digital care planning systems, carers will develop and manage personalised care plans and invest in a more efficient process for enhancing and tracking a patient’s care. Telecare Platform facilities will provide employers with the opportunity to explore devices that monitor a patient’s vitals, providing real-time and urgent care, and equipping their businesses with modern and quick solutions.

Harvesting the quality-assured equipment will see several benefits to the sector. These include a reduction in health and welfare costs, a rise in independent living for those with dementia and mental health problems, as well as a more efficient workforce within residential care homes.

The college group says by taking part in the courses on offer and becoming knowledgeable on the latest technology, healthcare professionals can set themselves apart and therefore become more desirable to employers.

They will also be contributing to a positive change in the sector by making use of the state-of-the-art equipment.

To find out more, visit the EKC Group website.