'Virtual wards' expanding to support more Sussex patients
The service provides hospital level care for people in their own homes
More people across Sussex are getting hospital care at home as part of the NHS's 'virtual wards' programme.
The initiative is an attempt to care for people whilst also alleviating the strain on hospitals and their staff as well as freeing up more beds.
It helped 6,921 patients in 2024 - that's a 16% increase on the previous year's figures.
83% of people being supported are aged 65 or over, around a third (33%) of cases were for respiratory conditions, and 41% needed care where other health services were also involved.
How does it work?
People on a virtual ward are cared for by a multidisciplinary team who can provide a range of tests and treatments like blood tests, prescribing medication or administering fluids through an intravenous drip.
Patients are reviewed daily by the clinical team and the ‘ward round’ may involve a home visit or take place through video technology.
Virtual wards have seen outcomes and patients’ experience improving, while preventing hospital admissions and attendance, so beds are more available for those who require in-hospital care.
Phil, a virtual ward patient from Hastings said: “As soon as I got home, I slept. I didn’t sleep properly at hospital. I instantly felt more relaxed. They can come to you in your own home twice a day and you’re in your own bed instead of being in hospital.”
Dr Adam Zacks, joint clinical lead for virtual wards in Sussex, said:
“We know that, by supporting patients to recover at home safely with home comforts and friends and family close by, they can regain their independence and recover well.
“We have taken a significant step forward in Sussex over the last twelve months to increase the number of people who can be supported by a virtual ward, and to connect our virtual wards to wider health services to improve access and make it easier for people to be supported in this way.
“The clinical care hubs in Sussex are a great development, ensuring 999 callers receive the most appropriate response the first time. These hubs bring together nurses, paramedics, and the ambulance trust to deliver rapid care, with the ability to admit patients directly onto virtual wards when necessary.
“This approach means people can access the care they need more quickly, we shift appropriate care from hospitals into the community and support the best outcomes for our patients.”