Case study:

17 August 2007

Virtual community wards for patients with long-term conditions in Croydon

Key points

Two hundred patients with long-term conditions in the north of Croydon are being treated in ‘virtual community wards’ as part of a pilot programme aimed at cutting emergency hospital admissions and maintaining people at home for as long as possible.

Patients admitted to the virtual wards (VCWs) are cared for in their own homes, using similar organisation, timetable and staffing to a hospital ward.

The two community matrons running the pilot lead the day-to-day running of the wards, liaising closely with patients’ GPs.

Each ‘ward’ has a team of nurses, a pharmacist, social worker, physiotherapist, OT and a ward administrator.

The one-year pilot is costing £68,000 but is expected to save Croydon PCT £1.5m.

The trust will open another 10 virtual community wards in 2007/8.

The scheme should lead to fewer emergency bed days, a reduction in number of emergency admissions and an increase in the number of patients on the expert patient programme.

At the moment the service caters for adults including some patients requiring end of life care.

Most patients either have chronic heart failure conditions or end stage COPD.

But it is hoped eventually to have a similar VCW for children.

It is also anticipated patients will be identified earlier in the end of life phase, allowing improved end of life care planning.

All community matrons will undergo training to work proactively with patients and their carers on end of life issues.