More patients in Cornwall choosing virtual wards over hospital stays

Cornwall's virtual wards can now treat up to 212 patients at any one time

Health leaders in Cornwall say the increased use of virtual wards is reducing the pressure on hospital beds.

The system gives people the equipment and care they need in their own homes so they don't need to call an ambulance or go to hospital.

In the last year, about 1,900 patients have been through the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's virtual ward process.

That freed up more than 16,500 hospital inpatient days, the trust said.

'It's a no brainer'

Barbara Bennett, 78, from Redruth suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

She chose to be admitted to a virtual ward after developing an acute lung infection and was able to remain at home for Christmas.

Patients are shown how to take their own blood pressure reading

"It's better than going into hospital," she said.

"You can make yourself a cup of tea when you want to, you can have a nap in front of the telly when you want to, there's no snoring at night, there's no rattling, no trollies going down the corridor, you get a better sleep.

"It's a no brainer."

The service has grown since its launch during the pandemic and about eight patients are referred every day, the trust said.

GP Tamsyn Anderson is the trust's chief operating officer and said: "For many, being in their own home helps them to stay as independent as possible."

If a patient is in a virtual ward, healthcare staff will check their condition remotely until they are better.

If the patient's condition worsens, staff will help them access hospital care quickly, and in a planned way.

Operational lead for digital health at the trust, nurse Claire Bettison said: "This is a choice that was not there before, and it is really important patients are active in their care and make their own choices."

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