Working Life: Virtual wards service allows patients to receive hospital-level care in their home

Aoife Halpin, clinical nurse manager, Virtual Ward, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin

Aoife Halpin, clinical nurse manager, Virtual Ward, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin

6.30am

I tend to leave home at around this time, arriving at work at St Vincent’s University Hospital before 7am. I start with a check-in with the night staff to see how their shift went and if any issues arose. Then, I do a quick scan of emails and my calendar to check what national meetings I have. I’m involved in our virtual-wards service, a new HSE project that allows suitable patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their home. Using advanced technology, we provide remote monitoring and treatment. St Vincent’s is one of the first sites selected to offer the new service to patients.

9am

Some mornings are spent checking in with patients who are admitted, going through their questionnaires and vital signs with them via video call; others are spent identifying potential new patients, or discussing patients with the medical team and nursing staff. I’m constantly reviewing work practices, ensuring that high standards of care are being delivered to patients.

In the middle of this busy morning, I grab a quick breakfast and coffee, followed by more patient consultations.

1pm

I try to have lunch and catch up with colleagues.

1.30pm

Afternoon ward rounds are completed with the consultants coming in and assessing the patients virtually. We are lucky to have a great team of nursing and medical staff supported by Amy, our clinical administrator.

2pm

The afternoon is spent educating potential patients about the virtual ward and what our service can provide. As it’s a new service, patients need extra time to understand the equipment and how the ward works. Once the patient is happy to transfer, we can begin the onboarding process. Patients receive their technology kit, which includes monitoring devices and a tablet, allowing the virtual ward team to monitor their health while they are at home.

6pm

I try to go to the gym or if it’s a nice evening a sea swim to decompress. Following that, I go home to relax, have dinner and watch some reality TV, which helps me unwind.

• The HSE National Virtual Ward Programme launched Ireland’s first virtual wards at St Vincent’s University Hospital and University Hospital Limerick in June, providing hospital care at home for eligible patients.