“Virtual wards” designed to take pressure off the NHS could backfire with some staffed for just 12 hours a day, a senior doctor has warned.
The system works by providing patients with devices to monitor vital signs such as blood pressure at home, with readings sent to their doctors via a smartphone app, freeing up hospital beds.
However, some of the “wards” are only manned 12 hours a day and patients are told to call 111 or 999 for help at other times, the Sunday Telegraph reported.
NHS England says stations must be staffed at least seven days a week between 8am and 8pm, but outside those hours cover must be determined on a local basis.
DR Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said emergency department doctors were concerned that the closure of some virtual wards at 8pm meant “someone’s holding the baby”.
‘Virtual stations’ aimed at easing pressure on the NHS could backfire as some are only staffed 12 hours a day (file photo)
People line up outside the emergency department (A&E) at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, Britain, on January 2.
He added: “People will seek help, they can call NHS 111 … hours GPs when they might not have needed it.”
“As a result, we fear that this may inadvertently create additional demand for health care.”
Rishi Sunak reportedly plans to expand the service, aiming to support 50,000 people each month through “virtual departments.”
Dr Boyle said virtual wards should not be seen as a ‘silver bullet’, adding: ‘We are very wary of using virtual ward beds to say there are more beds in hospitals because that is simply not true. .
An NHS spokesman said: “Every local health system in England has a plan in place to ensure virtual wards are safely rolled out and services are provided by after-hours or night nursing teams.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
