Virtual wards have the potential to improve patient experience by enabling them to receive care at home, and to alleviate workforce pressures by freeing up staff time.
However, there is still a lot of work to be done to improve capacity and use of virtual wards if patients and staff are to feel the benefits. Additionally, there are still extensive variations progress and use of virtual wards - operationally, digitally and financially - across the NHS and integrated care systems (ICS). With central funding coming to an end, all parts of the health and care system face practical challenges in making virtual wards a positive option for the future.
Against this backdrop, this panel discussion bought together experts to discuss:
- how to build a model for sustainable virtual wards that meets the immediate challenges of the health and care system, but also aligns with the NHS vision and aspirations for the future
- what patients and communities want from virtual wards and how their voices can shape future services
- what opportunities there are for virtual services to enable better integration between partners across the health and care system, as well as providing better working options and flexibility for staff.
This event has been sponsored by Capita.
Speakers
Pritesh Mistry
Senior Fellow, The King’s Fund
Stephanie Somerville
Director, Virtual Wards and Community Transformation, NHS England
Denis Perkins
Expert by Experience
Nikki Powell
Director of Customer Contact, Capita
Ross Fullerton
Chief Digital and Information Officer, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care System
Sue Armstrong
Advanced Nurse Practitioner Arrhythmias & Devices, University Hospitals of Leicester
FAQs
- How do I join the online event?
When you register, you’ll be taken to a confirmation page inviting you to add the online event to your calendar. This calendar invite contains the link to the event auditorium. Click this link at the time of the broadcast to join the discussion. Reminder emails containing the link will be sent closer to the day of the event. You can use the same link to watch the event on demand.
For the best viewing experience, make sure you are using an up-to-date web browser. We recommend using Google Chrome or Firefox.
- How does the question functionality work?
We invite registrants to submit questions during the event using the Slido functionality on the left-hand side of the event auditorium.
If you have accessed the auditorium multiple times, Slido might ask you for an access code. This will be emailed to you automatically and you’ll need to enter the code to continue using Slido. Please note this does not affect your overall access to the event or the video.
- What if I have technical difficulties?
During the event, technical support will be available at all times via the chatbot in the bottom right of the auditorium page. However, we recommend testing your connection beforehand using the links available on the registration confirmation page and in the reminder emails.
- Additional queries?
If you'd like to make a booking inquiry, please email the events team at events@kingsfund.org.uk.