Cornwall Embraces ‘Virtual Wards’ to Treat Patients at Home, Reducing Hospital Stays

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has significantly expanded its ‘virtual wards’ program. This innovative approach, launched during the pandemic, now enables up to 212 patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort and safety of their own homes.

The virtual wards have shown impressive results. Daily, approximately eight patients are referred to the service, and over the past year, nearly 1,900 patients have been treated. This approach has notably saved over 16,500 inpatient days in hospitals.

One patient, Barbara Bennett from Redruth, who suffers from COPD, experienced the benefits firsthand. After being treated for an acute lung infection at home, Barbara shared, “I feel as if I’ve got better at home quicker… I think if I’d ended up in hospital I would have been a lot more tired.” Her recovery at home also allowed her to spend Christmas with her family.

Nurse Claire Bettison, the Trust’s Operational Lead for Digital Health, highlighted the multiple advantages of home treatment. Patients maintain their social connections and routines, enjoy their usual diet, and rest better in their own beds, all contributing to a swifter recovery. Moreover, this method empowers patients to be active in their care decisions.

Virtual wards cater primarily to patients with acute respiratory or frailty issues. Despite the term ‘virtual’, the care is tangible and includes face-to-face treatments and diagnostics at home. The program involves daily phone calls, remote monitoring, and regular reviews by medical and pharmacy teams.

Tamsyn Anderson, a GP and the Trust’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasised the psychological and physical benefits of being treated in a familiar environment. Especially for older adults, hospitalisation in an unfamiliar setting can negatively impact their overall wellbeing and mobility.

The Trust’s initiative in virtual wards is a testament to the evolving landscape of healthcare, prioritising patient comfort and independence. Patients interested in this service are advised to consult with their GP or hospital staff for more information.