DHU Healthcare’s Community Virtual Ward (CVW) has been shortlisted for a Health Service Journal Award.
The Derbyshire-based service has been named as a finalist in the Safety Improvement Through Technology category, only the second time time DHU has been considered for a prestigious HSJ Patient Safety Award.
It’s for the development of a falls pathway within the CVW service that can provide acute care for people who have experienced a fall in the community. It helps to provide an alternative to hospital admission, relocating that person-centred care into their own home.
Innovative model of care
Emma Wardale is Clinical Lead for the service and said: “Our CVW is fast becoming recognised as an innovative and important model of care, aligning with the NHS long term plan to treat patients at home where possible.
“We introduced our falls pathway last year and within the first 12 months looked after more than 800 patients who may otherwise have been taken to hospital. By providing an acute assessment we have been able to move from an emergency response to the option of getting well at home by providing remote monitoring of their condition, support, education and referrals to partner services so that our patients maintain their independence and mobility.
“Not only does it benefit the patient who is seen quickly and effectively, but it relieves pressure on hospitals that are already facing capacity challenges and diverts ambulances towards genuine emergencies.”
Patients must meet certain criteria to be referred into DHU’s CVW falls pathway that sits within the services total capacity to look after 50 patients at any one time. Where appropriate for their condition and if the patient would prefer not to spend time in hospital, a balanced decision will be made to ensure the best care possible for the patient’s needs.
"The choice to be treated at home"
Neil Jones is an Advanced Practitioner for the CVW, he added: “The feedback we get from patients and their families has been outstanding. Having that choice to be treated at home is a godsend to some and they know they can receive hospital level care with support just a phone call away.
“It’s a real honour to be named as a finalist by the HSJ in a category that celebrates innovation and patient safety because this is exactly how the NHS long term plan sees the future of healthcare. We’re delighted to be able to offer this service to our communities, and this recognition proves the value of a service like this, not just to our patients, but to the wider health system.”
The winners will be announced on Monday 28th September at a ceremony at the Telford International Centre.
The team join the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland ICB, DHU HealthCare, Leicestershire Partnership Trust, East Midlands Ambulance Service Trust and Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Adult Social Care Services Teams when they were finalists in the Provider Collaboration of the Year Award for the work they did with their Unscheduled Care Co-Ordination Hub in 2023.