Westminster was the first local authority to digitise carer access to clients' homes for security and transparency purposes.

The council says this simple modification in care provision, trialled for more than two years at hundreds of client homes across Westminster, made a ‘significant' difference.

SentriKey Care consists of three components: a certified Bluetooth key safe; a platform for remote access management, as well as client and user administration; and an app that grants assigned users access to allocated clients' keys. It eliminates the risk of unauthorised access since every visit, its date, duration and visitor's name are logged and available for auditing on the system.

All access is granted and withdrawn remotely in a matter of a few clicks. Furthermore, care agencies are registered on the SentriKey Care platform and manage their staff access. The digital approach eliminates the need for codes, offers complete access transparency and even serves as a proof of visits.

When one-time access is required, for example by a hospital transport team or emergency services, a one-day code can be issued.

In addition, a visit confirmation feature, which sends an automated free text or email notification to select individuals every time a visit takes place, is particularly welcomed by clients' families, who are now informed that care is provided.

Jonathan Wills, senior delivery manager at Westminster City Council, said: ‘Our collaboration with Keynetics has enabled us to introduce a significant new technology to the borough – the first of its kind to be used in a UK local authority – and to offer a cutting edge and best in class product and service to our residents.

'A successful pilot proved the efficacy and benefits of the products and cemented a very positive relationship with Keynetics – one which we are happy to see continue with a longer-term contract now in place.'