Patients monitor and report their oxygen levels back to the respiratory team.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has opened a “virtual ward” for patients recovering from COVID-19.
Following treatment for COVID-19 patients are given the opportunity to be discharged home early, where their oxygen levels can be monitored remotely.
Through the use of a pulse oximeter patients monitor and report their oxygen levels to the respiratory team at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust during regular telephone calls.
The pulse oximeters were donated by COVID Crisis Rescue Foundation (CCR), a voluntary organisation founded as the extent of the COVID-19 crisis started to emerge.
Dr Ramamurthy Sathyamurthy, a Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at the trust set up the virtual ward, which is based on a scheme used by West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust in Watford.
Commenting on the ward, he said; “This is an innovative scheme with a number of benefits. It enables clinicians to discharge patients home early, allowing the patient to be at home with the confidence that they are being monitored remotely and supported by the respiratory nursing team. And often, allowing the patient to be at home and out of the hospital environment will improve their mental well-being.
“COVID 19 infection can produce low oxygen without the usual breathlessness symptoms and this remote monitoring will pick up deterioration earlier, facilitating readmission and treatment at an earlier stage if needed.
“It’s important to stress that it is not for all patients with COVID-19, but those identified as suitable by clinicians will be referred to the virtual ward.
Respiratory nurses will teach the patient how to use the oximeter and how to record the readings.
“Once we’re satisfied they are able to self-monitor, the patient is given an oximeter and re-sealable envelope with return address, along with an advice leaflet, when they are discharged from hospital.”
The patients are then transferred home to isolate and begin self-monitoring.
Dr Sathyamurthy said: “The nurses ring the patient on designated days to discuss their progress and advise on further actions. The patient is also given a telephone number call in between review days, in case of deterioration for support and advice.”
