Virtual wards (also known as hospital at home) allow patients in North Central London to get the care they need at home safely and conveniently, rather than being in hospital.
This innovative approach is delivering high quality care for people at home – where they would rather be – either by preventing admissions or allowing them to leave hospital sooner to continue their treatment at home.
North Central London now has over 190 virtual ward beds (both adult and paediatric), which are delivered by acute and community providers working together in partnership with the wider health and care system. NCL’s virtual ward services support a range of clinical pathways, including general medical, frailty, and heart failure, with further expansion and new clinical pathway development underway across the sector.
The roll out and expansion of virtual wards is supported by a growing and developing evidence base that demonstrates benefits for patients, staff, and systems, including for people with frailty.
If you would like more information on virtual wards within NCL, please visit our webpage or contact:
- Kate Lawrence (NCL) – kate.lawrence6@nhs.net
- Emil Pohl (Whittington Health) – emil.pohl@nhs.net