Blackwood recognised for pioneering independent living tech
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(from left) Alyson Scurfield, Anne Jenkins, Elaine Willis, William Wright, Andy Magee and Trevor Hoggard (Image credit: Andrew Perry)
A digital team improving the health and wellbeing of adults across Scotland has been recognised at a major awards ceremony for technology in health and care.
Blackwood Homes and Care has won the Technology Enabled Independent Living category at the Holyrood Digital Health and Care Awards.
Its 24/7 digital responder service, which supports more than 200 adults - many with disabilities and mental health challenges - allows users to manage their care remotely. This reduces the need for scheduled in-person visits by providing flexible, on-demand support at the touch of a button.
Anne Jenkins, Elaine Willis, Andy Magee and William Wright (Image credit: Andrew Perry)
Underpinning the service is Blackwood’s CleverCogs digital system, a tablet device that ensures customers receive timely assistance, whether for medication reminders, NHS virtual GP access, wellbeing check-ins, or emergency support. The CleverCogs system provides a central hub for care management, communication, health monitoring, and home automation, enhancing accessibility and digital inclusion.
Jason MacGilp, chief executive officer at Blackwood Homes and Care, said: “From the ongoing design right through to support our 24/7 digital responder service is a huge team effort.
“This award is a testament to that and our shared desire to improve the lives of people throughout the country.”
Blackwood Homes and Care head of housing Anne Jenkins (Image credit: Andrew Perry)
Since launching as a pilot in 2016, the 24/7 responder service has grown significantly providing 3,500 hours of digital care across six supported living services to more than 350 customers each week. The innovation ensures an emergency response within 20 minutes, delivered by locally based SSSC registered staff.
Diane Allan, head of care at Blackwood Homes and Care, added: “It’s wonderful to receive this award and highlight the fantastic work of our 24/7 responder team.
“Most importantly for us is that we see the impact the team has on our customer base on a daily basis. I look forward to working with the team to grow and evolve the service, helping individuals across Scotland to live their lives to the full.”
The Blackwood trophy (Image credit: Andrew Perry)
The service’s impact has been life-changing for customers. Individuals who previously relied heavily on emergency services now have instant access to dedicated support, reducing unnecessary interventions and improving their overall wellbeing.
One Blackwood staff member highlighted the transformative impact by saying: “Technology-enabled care is not about gadgets—it’s about improving lives. Our customers feel more secure, more independent, and more connected, knowing support is available at any time.”
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