Acorn Court Applauded for Innovation and 
Technology at Awards Ceremony

We are delighted to be highly commended in the Surrey Care Association’s People Awards 2022.

The awards, hosted by BBC Radio Surrey presenter Sylvie Blackmore, recognise the most dedicated and talented professionals who go over and above to provide the best care possible to residents in the county.

Acorn Court was commended for the way we work collaboratively with GPs and out-of-hours services to ensure that residents receive the best possible care, together with our use of technology.

Our home manager, Noelia Fernandes, said: “This recognition means a lot to everyone here at Acorn Court and acknowledges the excellent care that we give. The award highlighted our innovative approach to managing our residents’ health needs, working with GPs and other community services to provide as much care as possible at the home and minimise the number of hospital admissions.

“We also use cutting edge e-reception and e-mar electronic medicines management technology. These systems keep detailed records of residents’ wellbeing so we can easily see if someone has lost weight, for example. We can then look at whether they need extra support at mealtimes, a change to their diet or emotional support. Tracking our use of medicines electronically gives us so much detail that we order only what we need and nothing is wasted. Plus, it’s more efficient which means our team have more time to spend with the residents.”

The panel of judges applauded Acorn’s “good use of technology promoting safe practice” which showed “the important emphasis on avoidance of hospital admissions wherever possible.”

They also singled out the innovative programmes of time with pets was as something “that could be replicated” and the wellbeing of the staff team, residents and family members was also commended.

The award also recognised our use of a 30-inch mobile touchscreen which allows residents to keep in contact with relatives both in the UK and overseas through high-definition video calls, and watch YouTube videos, play games and listen to their favourite music.

“Using the large touchscreen is much easier for our residents than a standard tablet which many find too small.  It enables them to connect not only with their relatives but also use many different apps which opens up the whole online world to them,” added Noelia.

Rebecca Pritchard, Chief Executive of Surrey Care Association (SCA), said: “These awards recognise the huge achievements of these winners and highlight the fantastic services those working in social care provide.”

Angela Murphy, Department of Health & Social Care – Assurance Team and Southeast Lead who was a member of the Surrey Care Awards Panel, said: “So many [of the award nominations] have shown the uniqueness of social care roles – and the opportunity they bring to feed your own soul, and those of others you have contact with.

“The importance of people’s relationships and networks as being at the heart of social care came through strongly in so many of the submissions.”