A Norfolk technology company is hoping a pioneering new mobile app will help reduce the number of elderly people being admitted to hospital.

Purple Tuesday, based in Norwich, has developed 'Your Care Companion' which allows care and support staff to log patients' physical conditions in a bid to spot signs of deterioration.

Carl Wright, a director at the company, said: 'We hope it could have a significant impact on the care sector.'

The app can be used on smartphones and other equipment such as iPads and Tablets.

By rating parts of a patient's condition and the subsequent data spotting warning signs of poor physical health, the carer can treat the problem earlier and save potential future hospital admission.

Mr Wright said: 'There's not much technology in social care at the moment.

'With the data collected by this app you can reduce the chances of falls or urinary tract infections, which currently cost some clinical commissioning groups millions of pounds.'

The new tool is due to be trialled with 15 care homes in the region for six months.

It has already been used in the Windsor and Maidenhead area, with positive results according to Mr Wright.

The trial comes as the county's care sector prepares to celebrate the Norfolk Care Awards, which is held on Thursday.

To read more about the awards and to see a list of the shortlisted candidates turn to Page 37.

Have you got a health story?

Email nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk