Virtual Ward wins national award
Date of release: 9 December 2024
Wolverhampton’s “standout” Virtual Ward is celebrating after winning a national award for digital technology in healthcare.
Members of the Virtual Ward collecting their Best Use of Workplace Technology award
The Virtual Ward, based at Wolverhampton Science Park, won Best Use of Workplace Technology at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards, for its digital remote monitoring, beating competition from 10 other shortlisted entries.
Part of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s (RWT) Adult Community Services, the Virtual Ward keeps around 200 patients a week out of hospital by treating them at home, via an easy-to-use remote monitoring app called Luscii.
Around 170 of those patients are adults and 30 are treated on the Paediatric Virtual Ward.
Sixty staff are involved, with Kirsty Dyas and Helen Hartill, Senior Sisters and Digital Nurse Leads – Virtual Ward, supporting 58 clinicians.
The award recognises technology to improve the working environment and release more time for staff to spend with patients.
Kirsty and Helen had to do a 15-minute presentation before a panel, with judges looking for use of technology supported by innovations value, adaptability, and collaboration.
The judges said: “This is a standout example of Nursing leadership and vision, demonstrated by the development of 21 pathways across specialties with the clear purpose: ‘There’s no place like home’.
“This initiative has seen Digital Nurses bringing together diverse stakeholders and developing lots of tools, such as competencies, to support practice.
“This is a standout example of Virtual Ward technology.”
Kirsty said: “Winning the award is an incredible honour that symbolises recognition of our dedication, teamwork, and commitment to excellence in the Nursing profession.
“For us, it reaffirms the value of the hard work and passion we bring to our digital role every day.
Kirsty Dyas, Digital Nurse
“It’s a moment of pride that highlights how our collective efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.
“For the team, it’s a celebration of our shared goals, resilience, and the supportive culture we’ve built together.
“This award acknowledges not only our innovative practices and leadership but also the compassion and unity that define us.
“It motivates us to continue striving for excellence and inspires confidence in our ability to overcome challenges while delivering exceptional care.
“Ultimately, it validates the impact we’re making in the profession and serves as a reminder of why we do what we do.”
The Virtual Ward started as the Oximetry at Home service in December 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has been praised by NHS England executives.
The team received the award at a glittering awards ceremony attended by 700 people at The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
RWT was also one of 12 shortlisted in the Best Workplace for Learning and Development category for Planned Care’s (District Nurses) community boot camp for budding Adult Community Nurses.
ENDS
- Now in their seventh year, the Nursing Times Workforce Awards are an annual celebration of the Nurses, Midwives and employers in key areas such as staff recruitment, retention, wellbeing and inclusion.
- For further information, please call Tim Nash on 07714 741097 or email tim.nash2@nhs.net
