The Government has announced a “digital revolution” for the health service.
According to the Government, an NHS rollout of “virtual” hospital wards will free up space, reduce the burden on staff, and help tackle the current backlog for treatment.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced a “digital revolution” which seeks to embed the use of technology across the health service.
Up to 50 virtual wards will be set up in every area of England, allowing doctors and nurses to monitor patients remotely and provide treatment when required.
Virtual wards were used during the height of the pandemic; providing patients with pulse oximeters and direct digital access to doctors and nurses prevented many from requiring hospital admission.
A radical programme of modernisation.
Also announced are improvements to the NHS app and the ability for patients to have simple access to their medical records.
Announcing the plans, Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We are embarking on a radical programme of modernisation that will make sure the NHS is set up to meet the challenges of 2048 – not 1948, when it was first established.
“This Plan builds on our Data Strategy to revolutionise digital health and care, which will enable patients to manage hospital appointments from the NHS App and take more control of their own care at home, picking up problems sooner and seeking help earlier.
“Ensuring more personalisation and better join up of the system will benefit patients, free up clinician time, and help us to bust the Covid backlogs.”
