Virtual wards enable patients to receive the same high level of investigation, management, treatment and care from the comfort of their own homes, as they would as an inpatient on a hospital ward.
At CUH we have a dedicated team looking after patients on our virtual ward. This team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists provides care, treatment and remote monitoring for patients. They are in touch with patients on a regular basis throughout the day, and can be contacted 24 hours a day.
We know that being treated in their own homes can have a hugely positive impact on our patients – they’re not separated from their families, away from home. Patients are less likely to decondition at home where they can continue with daily routines, make choices about what they can eat, what they wear, with family and friends around them.
Please call the ward 24/7 on 01223 806806 with any queries.
Rise in patients cared for at home on ‘virtual’ wards - Read about the patient experience on a virtual ward.
The future of virtual wards at CUH
We already treat a number of our patients in virtual wards, including those using OPAT and heart failure services.
We’re looking to develop our virtual ward services further to help care for more patients who would benefit from receiving their care at home, rather than in hospital.
- Patients nearing the end of their episode of care in hospital who could be monitored at home using remote monitoring technology.
- Patients who have conditions that could safely be monitored remotely rather than as inpatients.
- Patients who have had elective surgical treatment and can be monitored safely and conveniently from home – replicating other successful models from across the world.
WATCH: Senior Sister Gemma Czech explains more about virtual wards
Link: https://youtu.be/GspCxFCTQNc
Information for GPs and other care providers
Patient identified by the clinical teams as suitable will be referred to the virtual ward team and triaged. Once accepted, the virtual ward team will visit the patient on the ward to ensure they can manage medicines, the technology and appointments.
Patients will be discharged from their physical bed space and then admitted to the virtual ward. A discharge summary from the physical ward will be sent to primary care. At the top of the discharge summary there is a note saying they have been admitted to the virtual ward.
If you have a query about a specific patient admitted to the virtual ward please call 01223 806806.
When being treated on a virtual ward patients can be invited back to the hospital for imaging such as xray and CT scans as required.
When a patient is clinically fit for discharge from the virtual ward the same level of safe discharge will be in place, as would be the case for an inpatient discharge – with patient and relative communication key, a discharge summary, advice on medications and liaison with community care as appropriate. GPs will a further discharge summary on a patient’s discharge from the virtual ward.
Patient On-boarding education
We are using Masimo SafetyNet to help doctors track your vital signs and symptoms while you are at home. With Masimo SafetyNet, if your condition worsens, your doctor will be alerted.
What is Masimo SafetyNet™
We are using Masimo SafetyNet™. A remote patient management solution that helps doctors track your vital signs even when you are at home.
Download the Masimo SafetyNet™ app
Get started with the Masimo SafetyNet™ app
Patient mobile app training
Link: https://player.vimeo.com/video/406015375
Guides
The following guides can be viewed on the Masimo Services website. Read the Masimo Services general privacy notice.
Virtual wards – a nationwide programme
Virtual wards are in place across the country, with more being introduced.
The NHS is increasingly introducing virtual wards to support people at the place they call home, including care homes. In a virtual ward, support can include remote monitoring using apps, technology platforms, wearables and medical devices such as pulse oximeters. Support may also involve face-to-face care from multi-disciplinary teams based in the community