Soft Market Testing - Electronic Booking System for Respite Stays

Descriptions

Knowsley Council is currently investigating the potential implementation of an electronic booking system specifically designed to manage respite care stays with our network of care providers. This initiative aims to streamline and modernize the way respite care is accessed and scheduled, ensuring a more efficient and user-friendly experience for both service users and their families. Respite care is allocated to eligible individuals following a formal assessment, and this allocation is typically granted on an annual basis. The proposed system would allow those who have been assessed and approved for respite care to view their available allocation and independently schedule their planned stays throughout the year. The goal is to empower service users and their families by providing a secure, accessible online platform where they can log in, check availability, and make bookings directly with approved providers. This would reduce administrative burden, improve transparency, and enhance the overall coordination of care. The Council is particularly interested in solutions that are intuitive, mobile-friendly, and capable of integrating with existing care management systems. We would like to take the opportunity to do some soft market testing as outlined, to determine current interest levels in the market.