4 Everything went like clockwork “ “ Virtual wards are a crucial part of NHS plans to increase capacity and tackle the increasing operational pressures facing the healthcare system. The RFL is continuing to expand and explore our virtual ward capabilities deploying face to face nursing care, as well as remote monitoring. We shine a spotlight on two virtual wards at the RFL which are already successfully supporting our patients at home… and we’ll continue to update you on our virtual ward journey as it becomes more widely adopted by different specialities and departments. Meet the heart attack patients avoiding unnecessary hospital stays Patients who have had a mini heart attack are now being allowed to go home to their families – instead of staying in hospital – while they wait for a procedure. After a mini heart attack, patients would usually remain in hospital until they have their angioplasty procedure that would unblock their arteries and prevent a heart attack in future. However, patients deemed well enough are now being monitored from their homes, helping them to avoid unnecessary stays in hospital. Patients discharged to a virtual ward are equipped with a portable device which allows them to measure their own blood pressure and heart rate. The results are reviewed by their doctor, who can take action if needed, including altering their medication. Saif Bakarian is one of those who has benefitted from being on a virtual ward. Making the most out of virtual wards After feeling unwell, Saif attended BH emergency department (ED) before being taken in an ambulance to the RFH’s cardiology unit. Following a full assessment, Saif was booked in for an angioplasty for four days’ time – and in the meantime he was allowed to go home. He said: “I really appreciated being able to go home, I felt much more comfortable there.” “They sent me home with kit to measure my blood pressure and heart rate. I filled out the results on an app each morning and was also under strict instructions to come back to ED if I felt unwell. “Everything went like clockwork and the staff have been exceptional.” Saif only spent one night in hospital, compared to a typical two or three days as an inpatient. Cardiology consultant Tushar Kotecha helped develop this new way of treating patients. “Normally these patients would be admitted onto the cardiology ward and might end up waiting a few days for their procedure,” he said. “Now they have a short period of monitoring and, if suitable, we discharge them onto the virtual ward so they can continue their observations from the comfort of their own home. “The patient is then booked in for their angioplasty to take place within a week and they go home from that procedure on the same day as usual. The patients tell us they love it because they much prefer being in their own environment, and it frees up the beds for more unwell patients. “The other big positive from our patients’ perspective is their procedure appointment is protected because they are a day case. That means it is guaranteed to go ahead instead of being postponed as is sometimes the case for those who require an inpatient bed.” Saif, pictured waiting to go home after his angioplasty, with his wife Maral
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