An innovative approach to adult social care in Wolverhampton has earned national recognition with the project shortlisted for a prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Award.
The WM5G Technology Enabled Care (TEC) trial has been put into action helping people across the city by OneWolverhampton – a partnership between the City of Wolverhampton Council, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and others.
The trial – funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) under the 5G Innovation Region scheme – has been highlighted for its transformative impact on residents, carers, and frontline staff in Wolverhampton demonstrating how locally led, joined up digital care can deliver better outcomes and long term value.
The nomination celebrates the city’s shift from traditional, reactive care models to a personalised, preventative digital care system.
Through a collaborative approach involving residents, carers, social workers, and key partners, the project has embedded cutting edge technology such as video care phones, falls prevention technologies, smart sensors, and virtual care calls into everyday social care practice.
Councillor Paula Brookfield, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “We’re proud to be recognised for our work to embed digital care into the heart of our social care system.
“This shortlisting is testament to the dedication of our teams and the power of working together. We’ve shown that when digital tools are thoughtfully integrated, they don’t just support care, they transform lives.”
Stephanie Cartwright, Chief Community and Partnerships Officer for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and a OneWolverhampton Board member, said: “This is a fantastic news and a great example of the power of partnership working. Congratulations to everyone who’s been part of this journey in making a real difference to the quality of life for the people we support.”
More than 170 residents have already benefited from TEC solutions in the city, with 78% reporting increased independence and 66% improved quality of life.
Wolverhampton resident Carol, who has vascular dementia, is among the participants, supported by WM5G Digital Care Navigators and her daughter Caroline. She said: “This technology is like having a friend. I don’t feel alone, I feel safe, and that has given me a lot of confidence both in and out of the house.”
Key to the programme’s success has been the deployment of Digital Care Navigators, who have supported staff training, care planning, and cultural change across frontline services.
The programme has been delivered in collaboration with a partnership of health, social care and community organisations working together to improve health and care alongside Alcove, Rethink Partners, and WM5G, with support from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
By sharing its learning through regional networks, business case evaluations, and community engagement, OneWolverhampton is setting the standard for integrated, digital first care with the ambition to continue scaling its model to influence regional and national approaches to TEC.
This year’s awards attracted more than 1,250 entries from across the health sector with only 245 projects and individuals making it through to the final shortlist. The HSJ Awards ceremony will take place in November, where winners will be announced at a ceremony in London.