Sutton Virtual Ward

The Sutton Community Virtual Ward offers a ‘wrap-around’ care and support to the most vulnerable unwell patients and families in their own homes, including care homes.

​Led by Sutton Primary Care Networks in partnership with Sutton Health and Care and Epsom and St Helier, the aim of the virtual ward is to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and length of stay.

Patients admitted to the virtual ward are supported by multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) of specialists including GPs, hospital consultants, advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs), paramedics, social prescribers, pharmacists, social care professionals and MDT co-ordinators.

A care plan is put in place and patients’ care is co-ordinated via MDT “virtual ward rounds” which happen three-times a week. Patients’ records are updated immediately after each ward round and are available to all the professionals involved in their care.

Patients receive regular face-to-face visits from an Advanced Nurse Practitioners and following clinical assessments, enhanced support is provided via remote monitoring of vital signs – such as blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen saturation up-to-four times daily (or as recommended).

Patients are provided with remote monitoring devices which are assessed virtually by the patient’s GP and other members of the MDT. The remote technology means that any signs of deterioration in the patient’s condition can be treated very quickly and safely.