The Virtual Ward is celebrating its 3rd birthday today. Since its launch in December 2022, the Virtual Ward has supported 3,797 patients, offering care in the place most people recover best – their own home.
Virtual Ward Manager and Lead Nurse, Sandra Lacey says, “The virtual ward has had an incredible first three years. During this time, we’ve had the honour of supporting so many patients at home as well as building strong connections across the hospital and the wider community to help deliver a joined-up approach across UHP and Livewell Southwest. We have so many colleagues to thank for investing in us, supporting us and helping us along the way and in so many ways.”
The service started with caring for ten patients at a time and has now grown into a team supporting around seventy-five patients every day. The expansion is driven by strong clinical relationships across the hospital. Specialties such as Acute Medicine, Colorectal Surgery and Urology are helping create new pathways that allow patients to return home sooner and continue their treatment with a dedicated team overseeing their care. Clinical leadership from the Acute GP Service has also helped facilitate expansion and prevented admissions, with further collaboration underway, including closer links with the Emergency Department.
As numbers have increased so has the departments physical space. From an early base in an old shower room on Tamar Ward, the team now operates from dedicated office in the Terence Lewis Building and a new hub in MSDEC. It’s a transformation that reflects the scale of the work now taking place and is in alignment with one of the 3 key shifts announced in the 10 Year Plan, moving care from hospital to community, with more support becoming available on people’s doorsteps and in their homes. “I’ve had the privilege of watching our little team grow into creative, flexible and highly skilled professionals working within a specialism that is both new and truly unique. I cannot wait to see what the next 3 years bring” says Sandra
There is a clear benefit for patients whose recovery is often smoother and more comfortable at home. They tell us they sleep better at home, feel less anxious away from the busy hospital environment and those with caring responsibilities value being able to stay with their families while still receiving the clinical support they need. Some patients come to the Virtual Ward after a hospital stay, while others are able to avoid admission altogether, maintaining their independence while still receiving timely, specialist care.
Looking ahead, the Virtual Ward continues to develop. A new remote monitoring system is being readied for introduction which will strengthen communication and enhance the safety and effectiveness of the care offered. The team is also exploring opportunities to develop new pathways for surgical, oncology and respiratory patients, alongside innovative approaches that respond to emerging needs within the community.
Virtual wards across the UK vary widely, and University Hospitals Plymouth has the opportunity to shape a service that reflects the changing needs of our patients and our evolving organisation.
If you have a patient today on your ward round suitable for our virtual ward, please call: Tel: 37777 option 1 and we can discuss if the virtual ward can help them.
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