Oxfordshire Patients Helped to Leave Hospital with the Help of Technology

Cutting-edge technology is used to help older patients in Oxfordshire to leave hospitals early and recover at home with ease.

16:57 26 January 2023

Cutting-edge technology and specialist wraparound support are being used to empower older patients in Oxfordshire to confidently take their medicines independently so they can be discharged early from the hospital and recover at home with ease. 

The council's innovation hub has partnered with its adult social care team and NHS partners in the development of the healthy ageing initiative. The scheme aims to improve health outcomes for patients while easing hospital discharge rates and reducing re-admissions. 

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Using technology to enable people to live well in their own communities is an important part of our ‘Oxfordshire Way’ vision. After hospital treatment, patients recover more quickly at home but concerns about their ability to take medication independently can lead to a longer hospital stay than necessary.

“This pioneering initiative will give patients greater confidence to get better in their own homes, freeing up space in hospitals for those who need it most, and allowing our residents to recover where they feel most comfortable.”

Karen Fuller, Interim Director of Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is a great example of how we’re leading the way working innovatively, supporting individuals to be discharged from hospital putting patients first and easing pressures within the health and social care system.

“By working as one team, sharing the vision of The Oxfordshire Way and taking a strength based approach to identify opportunities that can really make a difference, we are using digital solutions to assist residents to live well, within their own homes for longer.”