Digital Health Day

Digital Health Day at Erdington Medical Centre: Bridging the Gap in Data Poverty

Data Poverty continues to be a significant concern; the lack of access to digital resources and information hindering individuals from fully participating in the digital world, affecting people in different areas of daily life from managing their health, finances, staying connected to friends and family, education and so much more. Increasingly access to the internet is essential. Unfortunately, for many it is also unaffordable, with needing to prioritise other household bills over the cost of data.

For patients and staff at Midland Medical Practice (MMP), the implications of data poverty in the realm of healthcare are profound. In an age where online platforms and applications play a crucial role in accessing medical information, booking appointments, and even participating in virtual consultations, those facing data poverty find themselves at a disadvantage. The inability to harness the full potential of digital health tools hampers their ability to manage health conditions.

To support our patients, our MMP Patient Engagement Group (PEG) hosted a Digital Health Day at Erdington Health Centre with the aim to bridge the digital gap for patients and staff by providing essential resources and support. One of the highlights was providing free SIMS and mobile data to vulnerable people in need and enabling them to be connected online 

As part of the Digital Health Day, the MMP PEG assisted patients in registering for and accessing the NHS App and Systems Online. The event also raised awareness about Long Covid and introduced patients to the Multiply program. 

Multiply is a numeracy support program designed to enhance numerical skills among adults. Much like digital literacy, numeracy is an indispensable skill, contributing to employment opportunities, effective health condition management, and accurate medication dosage calculations.

Salim Shaikh, the new MMP PEG Chair, said “The Digital Health Day was a huge success and it is great to help so many patients with free data sim cards. Access to the internet is essential and we really hope that this important initiative will help MMP patients to manage their health and do much more online. We look forward to rolling out the Digital Health Days to other MMP sites.  The MMP PEG would welcome support from patients interested in becoming part of the MMP PEG. For further details please do contact your local surgery”. 

Hafsha Dadabhai Shaikh