Leicestershire NHS team wins award for virtual wards scheme

The Leicestershire hospitals say that this method of care has shown improved outcomes for people with COPD, heart failure and COVID-19.

The NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland  has been crowned the winner of the Replicating Digital Best Practice category at the first ever HSJ Digital Awards 2023.

The award was for their virtual wards scheme.

A virtual ward is a team of professionals who look after a group of patients with similar health conditions at home rather than in hospital.

They do this through remote monitoring by healthcare professionals and home visits.

Rachel Marsh, Deputy Medical Director of University Hospital Leicester NHS Trust, and who collected the award, said: "This award is a tribute to the hard work of colleagues across the whole of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who have supported patients to have a great health care experience away from hospital.

“Virtual wards are about more than freeing up beds, they are about giving patients the best possible recovery experience and involving patients more actively in their health.

“We’re really proud of the work we have done and the recognition reinforces for us that we are making a positive change for the people we care for.”

The Leicestershire hospitals say that this method of care has shown improved outcomes for people with COPD, heart failure and COVID-19.