NHS Borders has launched a new virtual ward for three types of patients with COVID-19.
The Health Board has opened a trial to run to from 31 March 2022, with patients who have had a face-to-face assessment with a clinician then being referred to a virtual ward.
Patients referred to the virtual ward will cover three groups: patients who are already in hospital because of COVID-19 and who are getting better; people who have presented at hospital because of COVID-19 and do need some treatment, but can get the treatment safely at home; and patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are eligible for antiviral treatment.
Once referred, patients will receive a Pulse Oximeter and a diary to record symptoms, as well as information on how the service works and what they need to do. Patients will then be contacted each day by a clinician to discuss their readings and symptoms, and how they are feeling. Patients can also call for advice or support, if their condition is getting worse.
Dr Lynn McCallum, Medical Director, said: “The introduction of the COVID Virtual Ward is a really positive step forward in caring for patients who have COVID-19.
“In many cases COVID-19 causes a mild illness which does not require acute medical treatment, but for this group of people does need to be closely monitored. Rather than being stuck in a hospital bed, in the Virtual Ward this monitoring takes place in the comfort of your own home, safe in the knowledge that you can get in touch with a clinical professional immediately if you need to.
“As well as being a better experience for the patient, introducing a COVID Virtual Ward means that we can free up space…to help support the restart of activity that has had to be paused during the pandemic and the most recent Omicron wave, so this is really good news for everyone.”
HTN recently highlighted a case study at Northampton General Hospital Trust, who have introduced a virtual ward for asthma patients.
