Blackpool virtual wards treats 2,000 patients out of hospital
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals has recently celebrated its 2000th patient to have been treated at home on the virtual ward.
The Blackpool virtual wards programme has been in running since 2022 and now has five specialisms - frailty, respiratory, paediatric, IV therapy and end of life care, which all help treat patients in their preferred place of residence such as their own homes or residential care settings.
In July, Maureen Carroll, 85, became very unwell and after discussing her preference to remain at home and out of hospital her GP referred her onto the frailty virtual ward.
When her Senior nurse from the Rapid Response team, Jodie Thornborough first visited her Maureen couldn’t get out of her chair, Jodie commented, “Maureen was very unwell, after my initial assessment it was clear she needed daily support from our multi-disciplinary teams and monitoring on the virtual ward.
Through the close monitoring we, alongside Advanced clinical practitioner (ACPs) and Consultants, identified that Maureen had an irregular heartbeat and an ECG was completed before being quickly referred onto the cardiac team, when she contracted an infection we quickly responded with antibiotics and was able to treat her conditions in the same way as if she had been in hospital.
After 10 days of visits, we were able to discharge Maureen from the virtual ward and ensured her care continued with our other community services. Visiting today I can see a huge change in her, she was walking around when we first arrived and in high spirits.”
For Maureen it was important to her to stay at home as she was passionate about maintaining her independence and caring for her 19-year-old cat. Emotionally speaking Maureen commented, “I’m hanging on for him he is my best friend, and we keep each other going. I couldn’t have left him and that is why I am so grateful for these lovely ladies, all of them, for keeping me at home. I just clicked with them, and they helped me get better at home.”
Virtual wards could be an option for someone before they are admitted into hospital or for a patient who may need some additional help at home after being in hospital. Care homes across Blackpool are also using virtual wards to prevent residents who maybe more vulnerable going into what can sometimes be a loud and unsettling environment. If you or a loved one are receiving treatment for a condition and would like to know more about virtual wards please speak to your medical team.