Chandulal checks into virtual ward
Home-based health tech holds no fear for 94-year-old Chandulal Parekh, one of the first patients to be treated on a virtual ward for diabetes.
The former accountant who lives in Stanmore uses an app on his ipad to check his blood sugar levels which are remotely monitored several times a day by specialist nurses at Northwick Park.
Diabetes Nurse Consultant Sharon McCarthy said: “The majority of people don’t want to stay in hospital any longer than they have to so we provide the support to make it happen.
“Patients are discharged from the virtual ward once their condition has stabilised but initially may be sending us four to five readings a day. If we spot anything untoward, we call them and advise on changes in medication."
Diabetes patients are given a blood glucose meter and access to an app that can upload their blood glucose readings onto the platform and can be monitored virtually in real-time.
The trust runs virtual wards for heart failure, respiratory and diabetes with additional ward planned for ear, nose and throat and end-of-life care.