Virtual Wards

New ‘Virtual Wards’ have been rolled out across Sussex to support people to be cared for in their own homes rather than having to go into hospital.

Virtual wards provide safe care for appropriate patients at home (including care homes), to prevent them being admitted to hospital or allowing for an earlier, supported discharge from hospital.

Personalised care plans are designed to identify what matters to the person to ensure they receive the best possible care for them. Support may involve face-to-face care from a range of experts based in the community and through new technologies such as wearable devices, oxygen and blood pressure monitors, and apps.

Virtual wards will be increasingly used this year as health and care partners work to help the sickest patients get the emergency care they need as quickly as possible. The BBC saw an example of this yesterday with teams in East Sussex, visiting Michael Little at home to hear the difference this approach made to him and his health.