We introduced the UK’s first Complex Nutrition Virtual Ward in 2023.

The Virtual Ward programme was designed to support the earlier discharge of patients with known, or under consideration, of complex nutrition. In this case, it supports those with known nutritional difficulties, including patients with intestinal failure or any external devices such as feeding tubes or bags, high output stoma/fistulas.

Patients who would otherwise be treated in hospital, are able to be treated in their homes, enabling earlier supported discharge from hospital and reduce admissions, all whilst maintaining specialist care.

Patients suitable for the Complex Nutrition Virtual Ward will be fully supported and receive full training before going home with an ‘easy to transport’ red carry case, containing equipment such as a finger pulse monitor, blood pressure monitor, thermos-scanner and digital scale.

At home, patients and their carers conduct self-observations and record the results on a dedicated purpose Docobo digital tablet (with an easy-to-read user guide) and medical support at the end of the phone.

Results are monitored daily by the Nutrition Nurses who respond to alerts and have telephone contact with patients and all data is uploaded to keep all medical records up to date. When discharged from the Complex Nutrition Virtual Ward, the red case will be returned to the team, thoroughly disinfected and prepared for the next patient.

A patient who has been treated through the Complex Nutrition Virtual Ward, said:

“As a patient on the virtual ward service, it has given me huge relief to be able to be monitored from home and helped greatly from a mental perspective whilst on the road to recovery.  Having the reassurance of such quick communication when submitting my observations and the excellent technical and clinical support that I am provided with makes everything super easy, I couldn’t recommend the service more!”

Chief executive for The Dudley Group Diane Wake said, “We are thrilled to have launched another successful virtual ward pilot that enables our staff to deliver excellent patient care to our patients in the comfort of their own homes.

“The virtual ward a fantastic way the team are supporting patients and their families, and it also demonstrates this Trust’s dedication and commitment to service innovation and building a workforce for the future.”

The service currently has 6 red cases, which patients can take home.  However, patients who may not need the equipment, but still require a phone call and clinical advice from the nurses, can still be submitted to the Virtual Ward for ongoing treatment.

What was good / what did you find beneficial?

“The way everything was explained to me.”

“Absolutely brilliant, talk to you like a person, they’re great.  Whatever it was, they were happy to discuss Kevin’s situation and treatment.  Can’t praise them enough.  They were like a friend and didn’t’ speak down to us and spoke in layman’s terms.  Not dictated to and explained things so could understand. Can’t praise enough.”

“All well and organised.”

“Friendly, nice and very nice collaboration.”

“Happy with everything.  Rang regularly and checked everything ok.”

“Everything absolutely fine, like life line.  All new to me, so they were like a life line.”

“First class service.  Overall perfect, service is fantastic.”

“Could tell work as team and even though different nurses called on different days, obvious they had good communication with each other and updated/kept up to date with what was happening.”