The Enhanced Virtual Ward (EVW) is an innovative service that supports vulnerable patients at home who would otherwise be at risk of unnecessary emergency department attendance or hospital admission.

The service provides both a step up from the community to avoid unnecessary admissions as well as step down from the emergency department and from Whittington Health wards to reduce length of stay. The EVW consists of a core group of GPs who work in partnership with the ambulatory care team and community matrons on the virtual ward. This means that the service can support patients with higher acuity and greater complexity. It is an excellent example of integrated MDT working across the primary/secondary care interface.

Referrals will need to be discussed with the Ambulatory Care consultant who will accept under the EVW and retain medical responsibility until the patient is discharged. 

Types of conditions seen include, but are not limited to:

• cellulitis (requiring IV antibiotics)
• deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• mild to moderate PEs
• chest infection (low CURB score 0-1)
• urinary tract infection (UTI)
• pyelonephritis (requiring antibiotics – not systemically septic and able to tolerate oral fluids)
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation
• acute urinary retention, catheter-related problems

Eligibility criteria

Inclusions

• Patients aged 18+ who are housebound (unable to receive care outside of their place of residence)

Exclusions

• Patients aged under 18
• Those able to travel to receive their care

How to refer

The following clinicians can refer to this service: