Virtual Ward

The nurse-led ‘Virtual Ward’ is where specific patients will be admitted to an enhanced level of care and support with proactive daily case management by the Clinical Navigator on duty for that day.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR THE PATIENTS OF A VIRTUAL WARD?

• Avoidance of admission to a setting where visiting hours are restricted
• Being able to remain at home with an enhanced level of support
• Not having to tell their story over and over
• Having the same team of professionals involved in their care
• Retaining a level of independence where possible
• Being able to die in the place of their choice (if that place is home)

WHO WILL PROVIDE MEDICAL CARE AND ADVICE FOR VIRTUAL WARD PATIENTS?

• The patient’s GP will remain responsible for the care of their patient
• The Farleigh Hospice Medical Team will continue to provide specialist advice and support when requested through virtual and face-to-face consultations
• The Farleigh Hospice Medical Team will continue to provide an email advice service and out-of-hours on call service for medical staff via the MEHT switchboard
• The Farleigh Hospice Medical Team will continue to support the GP link meetings within each locality.

WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF THE CHANGED WAY OF WORKING?

• To continue to care for patients in their own homes
• To continue to support carers and families to be alongside their loved ones where possible
• Provide care within specific geographical localities to reduce potential spread of infection
• To work with our partners and share expertise and resources
• Reduce the need for admission to bedded units
• Underpin high quality care with education & training for all staff
• Reduce transfer of patients between settings

WILL TELEPHONE ADVICE BE AVAILABLE?

Farleigh Hospice will continue to provide a clinical advice line between 8am-8pm, 7 days a week via the advice line number, which is 01245 455478, with the medical on call service supporting overnight.