Virtual community wards

Service Overview

Croydon’s first two new “virtual community wards” opened in 2006. There are now 9 virtual wards in Croydon, which care for vulnerable patients living at home who run
the highest risk of unplanned admission to hospital. Many of these people have long-term health conditions such as diabetes and heart failure and all have complex
needs.

Patients are selected for the wards based on their predicted need, using computer software specially developed for the NHS. The software means that for the first time, staff of Croydon Community Health Services know in advance who is at most risk of emergency admission to hospital. The wards can then be offered to these patients with the greatest need for extra support.

Patients admitted to the virtual wards are cared for primarily
in their own homes, using similar organisation, timetable and staffing to a hospital ward.

A community matron leads the day-to-day running of the ward, liaising closely with the patient's GP and with other care professionals, for example nurses pharmacists, therapists and social services.

We provide

Comprehensive assessments of those patients with complex needs in order to provide case management to people living with long term conditions
Lead and co-ordinate complex care packages
Work in partnership with patients, carers, colleagues, members of the multi-disciplinary team within primary and secondary health and social care, allied health professionals and hospices
Help discharge patients earlier from hospital and prevent patients being in hospital longer than they need to be
Comprehensive assessments of those patients with complex needs in order to provide case management to people living with long term conditions

Appointments

What do I do if I haven’t received my appointment yet?

Contact the service on telephone 020 8274 6191.

What do I do if I want to change or cancel an appointment?

As above.

What should I bring to my appointment?

We will normally see you at home. It would be useful to see your medicines and a list of any specialists you are seeing.

We will always aim to see you at the arranged time, though occasionally there may be delays due to traffic or urgent circumstances with other patients. If this happens someone would call you to inform you that the matron is running late.