Patient Safety Collaboratives (PSCs) are supporting healthcare systems to prepare for the expansion of virtual wards across England, a way of helping people to safely manage their care at home, rather than in hospital.
Virtual wards may make use of remote monitoring technology and apps, alongside care from community-based teams. The AHSN Network is working with NHS England and NHS Improvement, NHSX and other partners to help local Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) understand how they can best establish or expand virtual ward pathways for people with acute respiratory infection or those with frailty.
In 2020/21, Patient Safety Collaboratives supported the successful national roll-out of pulse oximeters in their local health and care systems, as part of the national COVID Oximetry @home and virtual ward models.
National Learning Network
These monthly webinars are open to any health and care professionals with an interest in the further development of virtual wards. Co-hosted by the AHSN Network, they will include a combination of practical experience from around England and national leaders, working to coordinate approaches. You will hear from colleagues around the country developing services and pathways, and from NHS England and NHS Improvement on the development of the latest national guidance.
The dates are as follows:
Tuesday 18 January 2022, 1-2pm
To join this webinar, simply add a reminder in your calendar and use this link on the day:
Click here to join the meeting
Responding to the ongoing concerns due to the pressure on health systems from the ongoing prevalence of COVID-19 and other conditions, including respiratory syncytial virus in children and other respiratory infections.
The webinar will be facilitated by Catherine Dale, Programme Director, Health Innovation Network, AHSN Network and include a national overview from Professor Matt Inada-Kim, National Clinical Director – Infection management, AMR, Deterioration, COVID Oximetry, NHS England and NHS Improvement.
Future dates
- Tuesday 15 February, 1-2pm
- Tuesday 15 March, 1-2pm
Community of Practice
Further information is available in a dedicated online platform hosted on FutureNHS. It includes toolkits and a wealth of additional resources, including recordings of the learning network webinars.
If you are not already a member of FutureNHS, register here and then search for and request to join the ‘National Deterioration Forum’ workspace.
For more information, and to find your local Patient Safety Collaborative, visit www.ahsnnetwork.com/patient-safety.