Virtual wards to play bigger role in patient care
Ealing and Northwick Park hospitals are planning to introduce several more virtual wards (VW) to help ease pressure on bed space.
Patients whose condition is deemed suitable for admission to a VA are monitored at home by specialist nurses via phone and video link appointments with a consultant providing additional support.
Elaine O’Sullivan avoided an extra week in hospital by being admitted to a VW following complications arising from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
She was subsequently seen by a specialist nurse who recommended the use of an inhaler.
Elaine said: “I had heard about virtual wards but was a bit reticent until the nurse explained everything and decided it would be beneficial. It meant I could go home earlier than expected and freed up a bed for someone.”
“I was monitored for 14 days using an app which I installed on to my phone. It was easy to use and I would get a daily email reminding me to input my data, such as oxygen saturations, heart rate, or when I was I coughing.”
Respiratory consultant Letizia Mori, who championed the virtual ward initiative, added: “It’s great to hear Elaine’s story and her positive experience on a virtual ward.”
The Government recently announced its planned extension of VAs with the goal of treating up to 50,000 patients a month as well as greater investment in community services and urgent community response teams."
NHS England said there is “growing evidence that these are a safe and efficient alternative to hospital care, particularly for frail patients.”
Project Director Dr Harmandeep Singh said: “It’s a very exciting time in medicine and, with the right support network, the opportunities for better healthcare at home are huge.
“It means by using digital technologies and specialised staff, we can avoid unnecessary admissions and get patients who are in hospital home quicker with the safety net of them being remotely monitored.
“We have strict criteria which patients are and aren’t suitable for the virtual wards and anyone needing hospital treatment will still have that access.”
The trust offers VAs for heart failure, respiratory, infectious diseases and diabetes with surgery and end-of-life care planned.