A new healthcare initiative is set to revolutionise patient care in Bath and North East Somerset by offering acute clinical services in the comfort of people’s homes.
NHS@Home Virtual Wards, a collaborative effort between HCRG Care Group, the Royal United Hospital, and local health and care organisations, aims to alleviate pressure on local services while providing high-quality care.
The innovative service allows suitable patients to receive comprehensive care, assessment, monitoring, and treatment within their own homes, mirroring the experience of being admitted to a hospital ward.
A dedicated team of doctors, nurses, paramedics, therapists, and other healthcare professionals provide a wide range of interventions, delivering clinical advice and treatment through both remote and face-to-face consultations.
Patients who meet the criteria for home-based care can be referred to the NHS@Home Virtual Wards service by their primary care physician or other healthcare providers.
Once enrolled, patients will receive scheduled visits from the dedicated team tailored to their individual needs. In addition to in-person care, patients will have access to continuous support and guidance.
Crucially, individuals receiving care through the NHS@Home Virtual Ward service will remain in the familiar surroundings of their own homes or place of care, benefiting from a personalised care plan designed to address their specific needs.
Emily O’Hara, Head of Operations at HCRG Care Group and Bath & North East Somerset Community Adult Health & Care Services said: “We know that treating people in their own homes can be really beneficial and means patients will not be waiting around in Accident and Emergency departments for a long time before starting their treatment, separated from their loved ones or away from familiar surroundings and routines.
“Patients being cared for like this are also less likely to decondition through long periods in bed as they would on a hospital ward.
“This programme also presents some tangible benefits for our under-pressure hospitals as it helps to free up beds during periods of intense pressure and means patients are much more involved in their own care.”
Dr Mark Luciani, GP Lead for Ageing Well, Frailty, Dementia & End-of-Life and Paediatric Palliative Care at BSW Integrated Care Board said: “Whilst the service offered through NHS@Home Virtual Wards is not new, the pandemic resulted in more innovative methods being used by local teams.
“This service allows patients to receive the care they need in familiar surroundings but with support from the most appropriate health and care professionals.
“This is an exciting development in bringing healthcare closer to home for people and enabling closer working between different teams across hospitals, community services and primary care.”
