A PIONEERING database which benefits elderly patients has won first prize in the 'Improving care with e-technology' category of this year's Health Service Journal (HSJ) Management awards.

Surrey Social Services and Surrey Ambulance Trust fought off tough opposition from schemes across the country with the innovative vacancy database for residential and nursing home care.

Recognising the need to streamline the time taken to deliver services for older people, the council commissioned Surrey Ambulance Trust to develop the database last year.

It allows care managers to search in real time for vacancies in residential homes for older people waiting to come out of hospital.

HSJ judges were so impressed with the database they have recommended rolling it out across the country and five local authorities have already put in orders to buy the package.

David Munro, executive member for Adults and Community Care for the council, said: "I am delighted by the judges' decision and would like to thank those who created the database.

"Our partnership with Surrey Ambulance Service has helped us to change the way we work in Surrey. If it can help care managers and older people across the country, it can only be good news."