‘Carer on demand’ service launched
A new service providing ‘social care on demand’ has been launched. Cera enables people to book online and see a carer within four hours, providing they live within the M25 commuter belt. In the long term however this approach has particular resonances with “rural”
However, this article tells us how the precedent for setting up Uber style models in the health and social care sector may not be plain sailing as companies struggle to win over the public.
Is Cera providing private services that undermine the NHS? Ben Maruthappu, co-founder of Cera and a junior doctor, said his company was certainly looking to work with councils to provide social care. However, he draws a distinction between local authorities and the NHS.
“If you look at it, councils are classically funders of home care, as opposed to deliverers. There are a number of organisations out there that deliver care services, but they are funded by councils. It’s quite different from the NHS, which funds and delivers its own health care services.”
The company’s carers can help the elderly, those recovering from an operation, or others that need assistance. The service costs about £16 per hour, Maruthappu, said, and it can be accessed from outside London – but on a longer time frame.
Maruthappu said the company has applied to be registered by the Care Quality Commission registered, “so that we can make our technology available to everyone”. This would enable it to work with councils as a provider, instead of being classed as an introductory agency.
Two digital GP services, Dr Now and Babylon, were last month given a provisional clean bill health by the CQC for their services provided via a mobile app. The CQC undertook their inspections as part of an “independent health” pilot.