Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care System is partnering with Spirit Health to scale-up its virtual ward programme and at-home long condition management across the region.
The ICS plans to introduce 16 digital pathways, covering 1.1 million patients, using the company’s remote monitoring platform.
The 16 clinical areas include: heart failure, frailty, respiratory (COPD, bronchiectasis, asthma), colorectal cancer, haematology, end-of-life care, diabetes, COVID-19 and obstructive jaundice. The project will involve 132 GP practices, University Hospital Leicester and Leicestershire Partnership Trust.
Over recent years, Spirit Health and Leicestershire Partnership Trust piloted virtual wards for COPD, heart failure and COVID, in which they estimate savings of £529,719 back into the system.
Dr Caroline Trevithick, Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Chief Executive for NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, commented: “Having the right technology partner is crucial in a successful virtual ward to keep everything running smoothly and ensure patients, relatives and health professionals feel supported and confident at all times.
“Spirit Health have been working with local NHS organisations during the pandemic on the pilot virtual ward schemes and we are delighted to be continuing our journey with them as we expand the virtual ward programme in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”
Dr Noel O’Kelly, Clinical Director at Spirit Health, added: “Utilising technology to strengthen our national health and care service will be absolutely central to future-proofing the NHS and delivering an even greater level of care to patients across the country.”
