UCP Updates
Last week, the UCP enhanced its functionality and security.
What’s new:
- GP Connect (Access: Structured Record) integration – organisations with access to GP Connect can now view medication and allergy information recorded in the patient’s GP record when in the UCP, helping reduce discrepancies and the administrative burden.
- Multifactor authentication – is now required for web portal access via the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN), adding an extra layer of security and ensuring alignment with NHSE cyber and data security guidance.
If your organisation does not have access to GP Connect data in the UCP, guidance on how to onboard is available here.
Find out more about these updates and view FAQs here.
Memory Service Spotlight: Introducing the UCP to the Islington Memory Service
Recently, the London Dementia Clinical Network engaged with the Islington Memory Service to run a pilot introducing the UCP. Since the template expansion in January 2025, the UCP includes more information specifically to support people with dementia. However, most London Memory Services are not familiar with the UCP.
The purpose of the pilot was to assess the level of input and support required to implement the UCP in a clinical service with no previous experience using it, and use the learnings to shape the UCP implementation strategy across all London memory services.
Participants of varying bands and roles took part and by the end of the pilot, 100% of the participants felt they had the skills to access and edit a UCP. They viewed the UCP as being easy and intuitive to complete. All participants felt it would benefit the patient and could be used as a shareable dementia care plan for London.
The London Dementia Clinical Network is now mapping UCP knowledge and usage across all London memory services. The next steps will be to roll it out more widely, implementing the UCP in both memory services and acute hospitals London-wide.
Read the report and outcomes of the Islington UCP pilot here.
Care Home Learn & Share Session
On 18th September, we hosted a care home learn and share event, bringing together care home support teams and care home managers to share what’s been working well, and discuss the challenges in supporting care homes to adopt and use the UCP.
Thank you to everyone who joined, it was fantastic to see so many people come together for this session.
We’re so grateful for your engagement. People shared thoughtful ideas, honest challenges, and creative solutions for making the UCP part of everyday practice in care homes.
Care home adoption has grown in the last year with 70% more care plans accessed from January to September this year compared to the same period last year. This growth reflects the effort and commitment across the sector to improve the use of the UCP.
If you missed the session or would like to view a recap, we’ve summarised the key learnings here.
UCP Monthly Report
Over the past four months, there have been more than 40,000 total logins per month, with an average of 41,631 logins per month since March this year.
*Due to a technical issue, urgent care views data is not available and so May data has been used.
Expanding Use of the Universal Care Plan for People with a Learning Disability
NHS England’s Learning Disability, Autism and SEND Team is encouraging more staff to use the UCP to improve support for people with a learning disability. Tricia Handley, the Health Improvement Senior Manager (Learning Disabilities) shared more about what they are doing:
“To boost uptake, we’ve launched a series of targeted webinars. The first session had 99 attendees and shared case studies showing how a shared care plan benefits both individuals and the wider system.
For people who may struggle to communicate their needs, having the right information at the right time is vital. The UCP puts the individual at the centre by sharing what matters most to them with everyone involved in their care.
Care providers are already seeing the value. One provider, working with the local community Learning Disability team, said she “The UCP won’t get lost, and everyone who needs it has access immediately.”
By embedding the UCP more widely, we’re making care more consistent, connected, and centred around the person – exactly where it should be.”
Benefits for care providers include:
- Improved continuity of care across settings
- Faster access to key information, reducing delays and duplication
- Greater confidence in delivering person-centred support
- Stronger collaboration with health and social care partners
Easy-read information is available on our website, including a dedicated webpage and patient leaflet.
Dates for the Diary
4th October 2-3pm– People with Lived Experience Group (PLEG) meeting. Our PLEG ensure that the patient voice remains at the centre as the UCP evolves.
24th October – We’ll be at Richmond’s Full of Life Fair. This all-day event is designed to support people to lead long and healthy lives by sharing information on local services and organisations available in the community.
11th November 12:30-2pm – UCP for Learning Disability Nurses and Learning Disability AHP’s in Acute Hospitals webinar. This session will cover all you need to know about UCPs including the difference between the UCP and Hospital Passport. Find out more and register here.