The Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) Virtual Ward provides advanced care for patients across the BHR boroughs of London for up to 14 days. Our team supports patients with various long-term respiratory conditions on early supported discharge pathway and we support oxygen weaning in community. We also care for patients with COPD experiencing infective or non-infective exacerbations on admission avoidance pathways, allowing recovery in the comfort of their homes. We cover all the above-mentioned pathways with our 25 bed capacity.

Increasing demand combined with less funding is creating a number of challenges for the NHS and as a result, the use of digital innovations has surged. The Access Group and North-East London NHS Foundation Trust are developing new integrated approaches to healthcare including a Virtual Ward programme, which aims to deliver better outcomes for patients, clinicians and communities. 

• Remote Monitoring: We monitor patients' health via the WHZAN device to ensure immediate support. The device will record the vitals (Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Spo2, Blood Pressure and Temperature) and calculate NEWS Score.
• Prescriptions & Equipment: Respiratory medications prescribed as needed, with nebulisers provided on loan for up to two weeks.
• Chest Physiotherapy: Breathlessness management, chest clearance techniques, prescription of PEP devices, and initiate early rehab at home.
• Personalised Care Plans: Tailored plans addressing each patient’s unique respiratory needs.
• Daily Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Meetings: Daily board rounds involving respiratory consultants and ACPs.
• Point of Care Testing (POCT): CRP assessments to inform antibiotic prescribing decisions.
• Collaborative Care for Comorbidities: Working with teams for long-term conditions to address health complexities.
• Social Support: Partnering with reablement teams to assist with social needs.