Virtual support

Since epilepsy is a continuing condition that can be treated and kept under control with medication, Audrey was discharged and placed on Barnsley Hospital’s pioneering Virtual Ward scheme.

Audrey, 77, of Monk Bretton, was provided with a nurse at the hospital who called her each day to ask if she had any problems with her medication or any queries about her treatment.

The Virtual Ward scheme focuses on patients who are most likely to be readmitted within 30 days. Audrey was put on the scheme to ensure that she had the best possible understanding of the condition and medication.

If it wasn’t for the Virtual Ward scheme, Audrey may have faced readmission.

Nurses found that many patients do not always fully understand their medical needs as they are often too complex.

This is a main reason that patients are readmitted after short periods.

Whilst Audrey was on the scheme, a nurse set out a care plan, through which Audrey had everyday contact with a nurse if necessary.

Audrey could ask any questions she had about her condition each days.

“The care I received was excellent,” says Audrey.

“I felt very reassured about my diagnosis and the nurses made sure that I understood everything and felt comfortable with my medication. Knowing that there was somebody to contact every day if I needed anything was marvellous, I felt like I knew exactly what was happening with my treatment.”

Staff at the hospital conducted an audit to understand why some patients were being readmitted to hospital so soon after they had left.

Nurses interviewed patients and found that patients who had least knowledge of their diagnosis or medication or did not fully understand their condition were most likely to return to the hospital.

Many patients felt that they had been given too much information to take in at one time and still had queries about their treatment.

The Virtual Ward scheme takes place for 30 days after the patient has been discharged.

After this, the scheme allows for the patient to be referred to another specialist for any extra treatment they may need.