The government states that "e-government means exploiting the power of information and communications technology to help transform the accessibility, quality and cost effectiveness of public services, and to help revitalise the relationship between customers and citizens and the public bodies who work on their behalf" (ODPM, 2002).
In the report below I aim to portray personal concerns within three areas of my work that will be affected by e-government implementation.
1) Social Services and Older People.
As a resident support worker I look after the social needs of 140 residents within the workplace. Each person has a separate life and medical history, which at the moment is documented within various outside agencies or perhaps none at all depending on the attitude of the individual. Individuality and independence are primary to a residents needs to remain in a "home for life" habitat that sheltered accommodation offers. Many of the residents have social workers or carers provided by social services who are individually known to the person concerned and that person knows the complete details of their lives. When e-government is implemented it could mean an end to personal service, as anybody within the relevant department of social services would be able to use an NHS number to access the files and take over a case where a previous person has left off. This could concern and worry to older residents to whom regularity of a routine is of primary importance. .
With regards to keeping details up to date it will be the responsibility of the data entry person to update case files and care plan notes for individuals who they have not met and know nothing about apart from the written data in front of them. Illegible writing on behalf of the social worker or carer could be of great importance as there are son many individuals covered by e-government that a single re-wording could mean another part of the agency not getting involved and the client not receiving the care or treatment that they require.