AN innovative new app which informs care workers and their employers in residential and nursing homes about the availability of shifts has been launched by a former Impartial Reporter journalist.
PickaShift informs staff about shifts that have become available at short notice and encourages them to pick up those shifts at an “increasingly favourable rate” until the shift is claimed.
Fearghal McKinney, one of the founders, says the app is expected to save care home providers “hundreds of thousands of pounds per year” while ensuring all staff shifts are covered.
“When I left Stormont I wanted to pursue some aspects of health having struck up many good contacts in the sector. So I was delighted to help form this company and, while it has taken time, I think we have a very strong product in PickaShift,” he told The Impartial Reporter. 
“It is innovative and empowers home owners to challenge a situation they don’t want to be in but which they have to pay heavily for,” said Mr. McKinney, explaining that the home “saves valuable time and money by avoiding lengthy periods ringing staff and saves on expensive agency fees.”
The app took almost a year to develop with a “sizeable investment before bringing it to market.”
“Nursing and residential homes, including those in Fermanagh and Tyrone, face real and constant cost financial pressures. I look forward to growing this business and at the same time helping benefit homes,” he said.