Patients across Dorset may see themselves sent home earlier than they think thanks to virtual wards.
A virtual ward enables patients who are eligible to be discharged from hospital to recover in their own home or another premises, under the observation of hospital clinicians.
Being part of a virtual ward has significant benefits for patients as they have a shorter stay in hospital; it also enables staff to focus on those patients who need more hands-on care and makes beds more available for those patients in greater need.
One example of a local virtual ward which is making a big difference is the Children at home service in Poole Hospital.
Dr Kate Goyder, Paediatric Consultant with University Hospitals Dorset explains. “Those eligible for Children at home would normally come into the hospital via the Emergency Department (ED), being referred to the children assessment unit; or they might be admitted from another hospital; or have already been an inpatient on the children’s ward.
“If they become part of our virtual ward one of our nurses will meet the family giving them the relevant support information including contact numbers should they have any concerns, medication and equipment which they will be shown how to use.
“Once they are discharged home and admitted to the virtual ward a nurse from the team will aim to go and see them in their home within the first two to four hours, or in the case of an intra-venous (IV) antibiotic it will be the following day. In the case of respiratory conditions, they will be sent home with monitoring equipment.”
Families will also receive follow up phone calls from the team and open access during their admission to the virtual ward.
Dr Goyder continues “The Children at home service means a shorter stay in hospital for children who are admitted. They can go home in their own environment, enabling families to carry on their normal day lives often reducing breaks in schooling and allowing parents to continue working.
“Parents and guardians are taught the skills they need so if they ever have a need again, they know what to do. This reduces presentations at ED and re-admissions.”
A short video explaining more about virtual wards is available on the NHS Dorset YouTube channel.
