Due to the clinical pressures and demand on bed capacity of acute trusts, HHFT have set up virtual wards to enable early supported discharges via a virtual remote monitoring service for patients who could be clinically managed at home.
Virtual wards are an Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) supported initiative, with primary care, HHFT, CCG and community colleagues all working together to support our patients to get the best integrated care possible.
The Frailty Virtual Ward service is led by the Telemedicine team 7 days a week, from 08:00-18:00 with the support from senior clinical decision makers.
The enhanced monitoring provided by the Frailty Virtual Ward gives confidence to discharging clinicians and patients that they will be safely ‘cared for’ virtually during the ‘step down’ process.
The Telemedicine team will accept referrals from the Frailty teams across RHCH and BNHH sites, as well older persons wards and therapists caring for patients who fit the referral criteria. Referral to the service is made via an e-purple on EPR and a quick call to the Telemedicine team to check they are happy.
On discharge from their inpatient ward, patients must be given all necessary equipment to be safely monitored from home, along with the Frailty Virtual Ward information leaflet.
Patients should have their discharge letter in the usual way when they leave hospital, and the Telemedicine team will ensure ongoing communications with primary care once the patient is on the virtual ward. Should there be any concerns whilst the patient is on the virtual ward, the Urgent Community Response (UCR) have agreed to support with face-to-face visits within 2 hours if there is no medical emergency.
For more information on who can be referred and how can be found in the SOP under the Useful links section on the right-hand side of this page or you can contact the Telemedicine team on 01962 824067.
