Virtual wards

[Grease3]

Hello, this is my first post but reading previous posts have been so comforting to know that as a family we are not alone.

My Mum was diagnosed with PSP in October 2023, after years of struggles with falls, shuffling, speech and eye problems. She is now in a care home where her swallowing is now affected and can only eat pureed food (which she does not tend to eat). She can only be in a wheelchair/bed and finds it hard to communicate. She has periods of confusion and agitation. Her demise has been very hard to watch.

She is currently in hospital after her 4th infection in 3 months (UTI/Chest infections). On admission I have always feared the worse but after fluids, oxygen and antibiotics she tends to pick up.

The NHS co-ordinator at the care home has suggested a 'virtual ward' and I wondered if anyone else has had experience of using this service? Link below to explain more about it.

england.nhs.uk/virtual-wards

Thank you

[Sun-flowerwearer]

Hi Grease3,

I haven’t heard this term before but had a quick read of the link you sent. It says it’s for a period of 1 to 14 days only and then a care plan has to replace it.

I think we had something a little similar last year when my husband was discharged home from hospital with NHS rapid response team care for 14 days. It consisted of an OT visiting us daily, carers coming in twice a day and a district nurse visit and telephone numbers to ring if required.

I then had to pay for and arrange private carers to replace the NHS care team after 14 days but could phone district nurse, GP, OT if required. If your mum is going back into the care home it could help with the transition from hospital to their care.

[Grease3 in reply to Sun-flowerwearer]

Thank you x