600 patients cared for at home in Cumbria hospital's virtual wards

Almost 600 people have been discharged early from hospital in North Cumbria since the launch of 'virtual wards'.

The option allows patients to be given hospital equipment at their home where they can be monitored remotely by healthcare professionals.

North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC) launched the project in 2023 to reduce the time patients with respiratory illnesses spent in hospital where they are at a higher risk of infection. It has also helped to free up hospital beds.

Jeanette Hodges suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, a lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe. She is currently a patient in West Cumberland Hospital's (WCH) virtual ward and has several apparatus to supply her with oxygen in her living room.

Three times a day, Jeanette sends readings of her oxygen levels and blood pressure to the virtual ward team via a tablet.

Ms Hodges said: “I returned home from hospital to find all the equipment I would need was already waiting for me. I was also told if my symptoms worsened there was no need for me to ring an ambulance or go to A&E. I would be seen by one of the team right away, which is a huge relief for me.

"I much prefer to be cared for in this way at home and the team have been so attentive, I can’t praise them enough.”

The virtual ward team keeps an eye on the readings from their patients from their office at the hospital.

The wards can support 25 people at any one time - and in 2024 they have cared for over 400 patients.

Kate Harwood, a specialist respiratory physiotherapist at WCH said: "The idea behind the virtual wards did come after covid. And the idea is to try and free up some hospital beds, especially during the wintertime. It does really help with winter pressures.

"It's an option for patients, so they're able to be more active in their shared decision making about their own hospital care."

Currently, virtual wards are operating for patients with respiratory illnesses and those living with frailty. Another to deal with heart failure patients is also being set up.

Maria Parsonage Respiratory Consultant Nurse at NCIC said: “Since they were launched over 590 patients have been supported by the Virtual Wards and we’re delighted to be part of their continued success.”

NCIC are exploring other opportunities for Virtual wards to be used to support other services and hope to be able to roll this out further in the future.

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