All About: Virtual Wards
What is a virtual ward?
A virtual ward, also known as hospital at home, is a safe, efficient alternative to NHS in-hospital care. It allows patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes. Patients can also be treated on virtual wards if they reside in a hospice or care home. Treating patients in surroundings familiar to them, with the support of friends or family or other care support nearby, can speed up their recovery. It also frees up beds for those patients who require in-hospital care.
What can be treated on a virtual ward?
Virtual Wards can monitor a range of conditions including but not limited to:
- Osteoporosis, Frailty & Falls Recovery Treatment
- Wound Care & Pressure Injury Management
- Respiratory Illnesses & Infections
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Diabetes
- Oncology
- Mental health
- Learning disabilities
Virtual wards are also set to expand to treat people experiencing heart health conditions or heart failure.
Using people's experiences, we have created top tips for both patients, health and care professionals on how to get the most out of digital consultations.
Top tips for patients
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Ask for a time slot for when your remote consultation will take place.
- Let your health care provider know how you prefer to talk by phone, video or in-person.
- Find somewhere quiet and confidential and, if this isn’t possible or is tricky, make this clear when you are making your appointment.
- Start with a phone call if you’re not confident with video technology.
- Ask for help if you need it and, if possible, do a practice run with a friend.
- Take some time to prepare in advance, consider what you want to say and key questions you would like to ask.
- Ask your health care provider to summarise the next steps at the end of the appointment.
- Remote consultations can be useful for routine appointments or ongoing care with a health care practitioner.
- Not all appointments are suitable for remote consultations, if you would like to see someone in-person please say so.
Healthwatch Kingston events with Kingston Hospital about virtual wards
Healthwatch Kingston have hosted two events with Kingston Hospital regarding their approach to virtual wards. For a list of questions and answers, a video of the full event, and to download the presentations, click on the links below.
