Over 7,000 people have recieved care at home after the care board launched virtual wards two years ago. 

In an initiative started in Suffolk and north east Essex, patients were provided with specialist and personalised hospital-level care at home for conditions such as heart failure, respiratory illnesses and acute kidney injury.

In its two-year period, this initiative has treated over 7,000 patients, who would be been referred by their GP, community team or transferred from a hospital ward to continue their care.

A typical virtual ward would have a professional who can arrange a range of tests and treatments for patients at their home, and provide them with wearable devices that can take their blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels.

Dr Vivian Yiu has been the clinical lead for the virtual wards. (Image: SNEE ICB) Dr Vivian Yiu, clinical lead for the virtual ward at Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board said:  “Virtual wards enable patients to be treated in their own home while maintaining as much independence as possible.”

“By leaving the hospital sooner or avoiding it altogether, patients reduce their chance of deteriorating as a result of lengthy periods in bed or contracting other illnesses and infections.

“In many cases, patients prefer to be at home with their loved ones instead of in hospital, which can also be beneficial to their recovery.”