Patients with heart failure at BH are accessing consultant-led care from the comfort of their own home, thanks to a ‘virtual ward’ project aimed at helping them recover faster. Following an assessment to check they are stable, suitable patients are discharged home with a blood pressure monitor and medical-grade scales. They are asked to enter their results into an app each day and the results, along with any symptoms, are monitored by the cardiology team. Where needed, medication can be adjusted, with doctors available over the phone to respond to any concerns. Nicolas Karpasitis, 42, from Barnet, says for him the experience has been nothing but positive. He came to BH’s emergency department with breathing problems related to an enlarged heart. He said: “The cardiology team have been brilliant and I found it really interesting to monitor my own health – in fact I’ve enjoyed playing a role in my recovery. At one point I did have to come back in as an inpatient, but the majority of time was spent at home. When I was finally discharged off the virtual ward it felt a bit sad actually, it felt like losing a friend as I enjoyed chatting to the team. Now I continue to be monitored but not as intensely.” 10 11 Governors’ update Exploring Maggie’s “I’ve enjoyed playing a role in my recovery” We want to hear from you! In this special issue dedicated to our clinical vision we’ve highlighted some of the work already taking place but we know there’s so much more to share. We want to hear from you about key developments, the innovative approaches you’re adopting and what this means for our patients. Email us at rf-tr.communications@nhs.net and tell us about the incredible work your teams are doing. Become an RFL member You can become a member of the RFL for free if you live in England, are 16 or over, or are a carer for a patient that is under 16 years old. Full details can be found on our website. Our governors are elected to represent the interests of members and to hear the views of staff, patients, and the public. If you would like to get in touch please email rf.governors@nhs.net know, familiar surroundings are a significant factor in patient wellbeing.” The virtual ward utilises a user-friendly app to monitor weight, blood pressure, and any other relevant symptoms. This allows the team to promptly adjust medication as needed. Strict criteria are in place, patients must be medically stable and have the capacity to actively participate in their care. Access to a smartphone is also a requirement. Jennifer Lane, a heart failure clinical nurse specialist, said: “Previously patients were waiting up to a month for their first clinic appointment and up to nine months for a follow-up appointment. Now we’re able to review patients the day after discharge from their own home. During their two weeks on the virtual ward they come in regularly for blood tests and receive medication which is rapidly increased to the top tolerated dose. Nicolas’s case was particularly complex but being on the virtual ward highlighted the issues he was facing and prevented him returning to us via A&E. “We currently have 10 patients on the virtual ward at any one time and that number will rise.” Although the team is still collecting and evaluating the data, they believe the results will show better outcomes for patients. The project has been funded by the North Central London Integrated Care System (NCL ICS). Governors and non-executive directors celebrated the incredible work of Maggie’s staff during a visit to their new centre in the grounds of the RFH. The new centre, designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, was opened by Her Majesty the Queen in January this year and has seen on average 60 people per day since then. It provides a space for people living with cancer, their families, and their friends to seek advice and support away from a hospital environment. Elected governors Natasha Leith-Smith, Sean Baine and Dov Gerber were joined by Atka Raja, nonexecutive director, for the visit. Atka said: “It’s great to see this incredible building open so our patients can get the support they need during the most difficult and challenging moments of their lives. I very much look forward to seeing what the next chapter of the partnership between the Royal Free London and Maggie’s brings.” Natasha commented: “I was very happy to hear that the local community, as well as our patients, can access the life-changing services that Maggie’s provide through the new centre. I have no doubt that this building will act as sanctuary for those affected by cancer and we are extremely lucky to have this so close to home.” L-R: Michelle Niblett, senior heart failure CNS, Jennifer Lane, senior heart failure CNS, Dr Leon Moradians, heart failure fellow and Feysiola Idowu-Olowu, heart failure CNS Dov Gerber, Sean Baine, Atka Raja, Natasha Leith-Smith and Helen Muir Nicolas Karpasitis played an active role in his recovery from the comfort of his own home Cardiovascular Patients do not need a referral or an appointment to visit the centre. Staff are on hand to provide help and information, support groups and activities and benefits advice, all designed to make coping with cancer easier. Sean said: “The centre really is an amazing space. They have gone to great lengths to make it feel homely and ensure that everyone who walks though their doors feels welcome.” Governors and non-executive directors also had the opportunity to visit the private patients’ unit at the RFH. They were shown the incredible facilities on offer to patients including inpatient ward, outpatient clinics, the oncology suite and the dialysis unit. The ‘go see’ visits give governors and non-executive directors the opportunity to see different parts of the trust together monthly. They listen to staff, meet patients and provide constructive feedback about what they have seen. Cancer Familiar surroundings are a significant factor in patient wellbeing “ “ Dr Nelson Amaral, the consultant cardiologist behind the project, said: “We recognised that a virtual ward could be a perfect fit for heart failure patients. These patients often experience lengthy hospital stays, but in many cases, close monitoring can be effectively conducted from at home where they can enjoy a better night’s sleep. As we
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTI5NzM=