Rapid Response and Virtual Ward
Main Address
- Whittington Health NHS Trust
Magdala Avenue
London - N19 5NF
- 0207 288 3670
The Rapid Response and Virtual Ward Service is an integrated service provided by Whittington Health in conjunction with both Haringey and Islington Clinical Commissioning Groups, with the aim of:
- Avoiding/Reducing unplanned hospital admission and Emergency Department (ED) attendances.
- Facilitating discharges.
- Reducing inpatient length of stay.
- Providing high quality care within a community setting.
- To optimise patient care, by involving an integrated multi-professional team.
For patients in the community, the team can respond to referrals in as little as 2 hours, undertaking a holistic nursing assessment, advanced physical assessment, prescribing, medication review and functional assessment following telephone triage by the patient’s GP, in their home setting.
For inpatients, the team also works collaboratively with the acute medical and nursing teams to decide whether discharge is possible, particularly with regard to older vulnerable adults.
For inpatients, the team also works collaboratively with the acute medical and nursing teams to decide whether discharge is possible, particularly with regard to older vulnerable adults.
The team undertakes functional assessments, provides adaptive equipment/walking aids where appropriate, and refers to home care agencies if needed. The team has strong links with community resources and can refer clients to rehabilitation schemes if required. The team also works collaboratively with the medical and nursing teams to decide whether discharge is possible, particularly with regard to older vulnerable adults.
Scope of Rapid Response Team Practice
The team works collaboratively with the medical and nursing teams, along with patients, families and carers to assist with the decision making, to achieve the best possible outcome. This includes considering whether an immediate and safe discharge is possible, and whether the discharge needs supporting.
The team supports in the following ways:
The team works collaboratively with the medical and nursing teams, along with patients, families and carers to assist with the decision making, to achieve the best possible outcome. This includes considering whether an immediate and safe discharge is possible, and whether the discharge needs supporting.
The team supports in the following ways:
- Liaise with the client’s family, care provider, and community services including Community Rehabilitation Teams and Social Service Departments to arrange appropriate packages of care.
- Provide therapists input including adaptive Occupational Therapists equipment to maximise function and Physiotherapists to support with mobility.
- Undertaking follow-up Occupational Therapy (OT) Home Visits to continue the risk assessment process within the home.
- Fast and efficient referral process
Contact
For further information or to discuss a referral please call 0207 288 3670 where we are happy to assist.
Further Information
The service provides emergency catheter services with GPs being able to refer following telephone triage without being required to visit the patient.
The service runs between 8am -10pm, 7 days per week.
Locations See on a map
Last updated01 Jul 2020