What is a virtual ward?

You have been diagnosed with a chest infection which may be due to Covid-19 or another virus or bacteria. Your NHS team feels that your condition is stable and that you can safely recover at home, providing you have the right support and monitoring. The NHS can offer this support and monitoring at home; this is called a virtual ward.

The virtual ward means that you can stay in the comfort of your own home and healthcare staff will remotely monitor your condition until you get better. Monitoring your condition means that if you become unwell this will be picked up early and you can access treatment in hospital quickly if you need it.

Your healthcare team will talk to you about relevant monitoring devices and will be able to loan you the device(s) from the virtual ward, such as a pulse oximeter to measure your blood oxygen level. You can send readings from the device back to the virtual ward staff. If your readings worsen, the team may contact you and they will give you support and advice on what to do next.

Your team will go through with you how to use the device(s) you have been loaned, how to let them know your readings and how they are going to contact you.

You will be given instructions on what to do if you feel unwell and will have a contact number for the virtual ward.

You will need to monitor your symptoms until they improve, and the virtual ward team is happy you are well enough to stop doing this. Paracetamol and regular fluids can help with mild symptoms and most people will feel better within five to seven days.

If you have any questions about this information, please speak to your nurse or doctor.

How do I use the device I've been given?

Your healthcare professional will show you the device you have been given and how to use it, including how to make sure readings are being submitted.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

If your symptoms worsen quickly, please use the information below to assess yourself.

Ring your virtual ward team or 111 as soon as possible if:

• you’re feeling gradually more unwell or more breathless
• you have difficulty breathing when you stand up or move around
• you feel very weak, achy or tired
• you’re shaking or shivering
• you’ve lost your appetite
• you sense something is wrong
• you’re unable to care for yourself, for example tasks like washing and dressing or making food are too difficult.

Go to A&E immediately or call 999 if:

• you're so breathless you’re unable to say short sentences when resting
• your breathing has suddenly got worse
• you cough up blood
• you feel cold and sweaty with pale or blotchy skin
• you develop a rash which looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you roll a glass over it
• you collapse or faint
• you feel agitated, confused or very frowsy
• you’ve stopped weeing or are weeing much less than usual

Good signs and readings which show you may be improving:

• gradual improvement
• fully mobile, able to manage stairs (if this is normal for you) and not confused
• normal eating and drinking.

What if I have a cold or Covid?

If you have a cold or Covid for example, follow routine guidance to look after yourself.

If you have a high temperature it can help to:

• get lots of rest
• drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your wee is light yellow and clear
• take paracetamol if you feel uncomfortable.

If you have a chest infection you can also find advice at www.nhs.uk/conditions/chest-infection

If you live alone, ask a friend, family member or neighbour to check up on you. Additionally,

NHS Volunteer Responders can help with things like collecting shopping and medicines. You can find more details at nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk

I'm pregnant, do I need to do anything else?

If you're pregnant or have recently given birth, contact your midwife, GP or maternity team if you have any concerns or questions.