More than 400 children and young people have been supported to receive care from the comfort of their own homes in the first year of a Paediatric Virtual Ward being set up through The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT).
The virtual ward means that children are monitored at home using app technology and appropriate devices and there are six care pathways covering:
- Respiratory
- Intravenous antibiotics
- Awaiting diagnosis
- Extended observations
- Bronchiolitis
- Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) a condition where blood vessels become inflamed
It was set up by Amy Gidden, Paediatric Senior Sister and Rebecca Taylor, Paediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist on 11 July 2022.
Amy said: “We’re really proud to be marking our first year and to have overcome some initial challenges to get the Paediatric Virtual Ward off the ground.
“We take referrals from the ward and go to see young patients to complete triage and see whether they are suitable for the service. If so, they can be discharged home with monitoring platforms – this may mean their observations being sent to one of our Nurses three times a day. This alerts us to any issues and we can offer a video call, or home visit, as appropriate.
“The majority of patients use this service for 48 hours but this can be longer if that is what the patient needs.”
Since the service was set up a total of 410 patients have been supported in this way.
Amy said: “This is a whole team effort and it’s very rewarding to know that hundreds of children have benefitted from this approach. They are happiest at home, in familiar surroundings but their parents and carers have peace of mind through the virtual ward service.”
Rebecca added: “It’s the best of both worlds for patients and their families and we have received a lot of positive feedback from those using this service which is really satisfying.”
Emma Sang is one parent who has used the service with both her daughters, Florence, three, and six-month-old Harriet.
“She said: “Both have used the respiratory pathway and I really can’t praise the virtual ward enough.
“It is so difficult as a parent when your child doesn’t really need to be in hospital but you are worried because they are unwell and feel you need some kind of support from someone. All the staff I have dealt with have been fantastic. They offer reassurance as well as giving you that practical support if your child doesn’t seem to be improving or you have ongoing concerns.
“Our children are much better being at home if possible as they recover better in their own environment and with their usual routines. I think parents relax more as well.”
