Chandulal Parekh, 94, from Stanmore has become one of the first patients to be treated on a virtual ward for diabetes at Northwick Park Hospital, London, a statement said.
The initiative is part of government’s recent announcement that it wants at least 10,000 patients being treated at home in ‘virtual wards’ by the end of the year.
NHS believes that ‘virtual wards’ will resolve the accessibility issue while delivering more home-based tech for older patients.
Parekh, a former accountant, uses an app on his ipad to check his blood sugar levels which are remotely monitored several times a day by specialist nurses.
Diabetes nurse consultant Sharon McCarthy said: “The majority of people don’t want to stay in hospital any longer than they have to so we provide the support to make it happen.
“Patients are discharged from the virtual ward once their condition has stabilised but initially may be sending us four to five readings a day. If we spot anything untoward, we call them and advise on changes in medication.
Diabetes ‘virtual wards’ patients are given a blood glucose meter and access to an app that can upload their blood glucose readings onto the platform and can be monitored virtually in real-time.
The London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust runs virtual wards for heart failure, respiratory, infectious diabetes with additional ward planned for ear, nose and throat and end-of-life care.
Established on 1 October 2014, the Trust provides hospital and community services to around one million people of Harrow, Bren and Ealing.
