A new virtual hospital service has launched in west Essex for adults over the age of 18 years, giving them more choice around where they can receive care.
The service launched in early December 2022 and allows patients with specific conditions to be cared for at their usual place of residence, including care homes.
Vanessa Wakefield, deputy director of the West Essex Care Coordination Centre, which manages referrals into the virtual hospital and organises care for patients, said: “The virtual hospital is a safe, alternative way of allowing patients with specific conditions to receive the same treatment they would otherwise receive in hospital.
“It’s just like being on a ward but they’re in the comfort of their own home and being monitored from a distance, with face-to-face care as needed.
“Our aim is to help people stay well at home so they do not need to go into hospital in the first place, help them stay independent and to recover faster.
“We know many people prefer to be cared for at home if possible, so this enables them to be in familiar surroundings and with their family, with the reassurance of knowing they will be monitored closely and receive tailored support to help their recovery.
“If there is any change in their health, we will talk to them about what medication or further care they need and put any extra support in place.
“Patients who have used our service have told us they appreciate the support and care they receive, and being given the choice to recover at home.”
The West Essex Virtual Hospital Service operates seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Patients can contact the team at any time during those hours. Outside of those times, they can call 111, or 999 in an emergency, if they need help. Clear and concise information is provided to patients along with a written information leaflet explaining the above.
Patients can be referred to the service by their GP, clinicians here at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone, Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, and any other community service.
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is the lead provider of the West Essex Care Coordination Centre and West Essex Hospital Virtual Service.