Nobody chooses to be in hospital, especially when you're medically fit to go home.

Statistics show people recover more quickly when they're back in their own surroundings, but sometimes fears about to taking medication can keep people in hospital for longer. And taking the wrong meds at the wrong time can lead to medical complications resulting in another hospital stay.

Oxfordshire's unique and dedicated Innovation Hub (iHUB) had been working with digital medicines experts CONNECT Care to find a solution. Thanks to a £1 million Innovate UK Grant the team have developed a smart meds box, which beeps and flashes to remind patients to take their prescriptions.

It also hooks up to an app which can tell the patient's loved ones and carers if they're taking their meds on time.

As Issa Dasu Patel, Co-founder and CEO of CONNECT care, says: "This is not about replacing carers. This is about freeing up hands to do what only human hands can do. It's about understanding how we support people to become more independent with their health and care, so that we can use the care time that we have to provide the best support that we can."

A trial is beginning in Oxfordshire this week, working with the council's hospital-based adult social care team and NHS partners, to test the technology.

If successful, it could be rolled out nationally, to help older people recover more quickly while easing hospital discharge rates and reducing re-admissions.

It all forms part of the council's innovative approach to delivering adult social care known as The Oxfordshire Way. By recognising people are happiest and achieve better health outcomes when they're in their own home, the council is working with health partners and community groups to support people to live well, within their own communities for as along as possible.

With thanks to Leys Pharmacy for their help in arranging the filming of this video.

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