Lewisham launches virtual ward pilot for respiratory and diabetes patients

Lewisham Health and Care Partnership (LHCP) has launched a home monitoring pilot for patients with respiratory conditions and diabetes.

Working with healthcare software companies HN and L2S2, the GP partnership is providing clinical coaching and virtual ward oversight for patients involved in the pilot.

It forms part of the LHCP’s new programme to support people innovatively using technology to improve their wellbeing and help them to stay at home safely.

The home monitoring solution, funded jointly by London Borough of Lewisham and NHS South East London CCG, aims ease the pressure caused by Covid-19.

Patients being supported by this service will have ongoing access to healthcare professionals who promote self-care and help manage anxieties associated with their condition.

The solution also aims for early safe discharge from hospital for patients with diabetes and respiratory disease as the service is run by registered nurses.

Dr Ravi Sharma, clinical director NHS South East London CCG, said: “I am excited that we have this pilot in Lewisham. Whenever there is better access to key health parameters, we doctors have greater confidence in our advice for patients to stay home or go to hospital.

“I believe in many circumstances housebound patients with long term health conditions would have better health outcomes if clinicians had the ability to get accurate information in a less labour-intensive way. This pilot addresses such aspects and in addition also adds health coaching support.

“This pilot attempts to bridge a key gap by bringing access to more accurate advice and support to patients at home via digital technology. I am sure this pilot will live up to these expectations.”

Creenagh Williamson, chief nursing officer at HN, added: “The teams in Lewisham have embraced the use of technology to provide patients with the very best possible care, whilst creating capacity within the wider healthcare system.

“Digital solutions sometimes fail to deliver the expected value, but by providing nurse support to build self-managing capabilities, coupled with an uncomplicated monitoring system, patients can become much more active and in control. We will be working with the LHCP and the NHS’s Health Innovation Network to evaluate the outcomes closely.”

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