Job Description

This is an exciting development opportunity for an experienced administrator to bring their experience and knowledge to the integrated Virtual Ward Team as a Virtual Ward Coordinator.



Virtual ward is a safe and efficient alternative to NHS bedded care. Virtual wards support patients who would otherwise be in hospital to receive the acute care and treatment they need in their own home. This includes either preventing avoidable admissions into hospital or supporting early discharge out of hospital.



The delivery of digitally enabled care (virtual care) including virtual wards is a national priority embedded within current health and social care policy. In the 2022-23 priorities and operational planning guidance, systems were asked to deliver virtual ward capacity equivalent to 40-50 virtual ward 'beds' per 100k population by December 2023. This post provides an opportunity to drive and transform the system by embedding the use of digital technology to release pressure on acute care and improve patient outcomes.



Please note that this post is located on site at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and is not a working from home opportunity.



Previous applicants need not apply. Although this is a full time position, part time/job share may be considered.



As we move towards a new era of integrated care and working collaboratively across organisational boundaries, the need for dynamic, focused teamwork is vital.



Working with the Acute Medical Nursing Team you will monitor and ensure the management of patients is efficient and effective, considering the individual needs of the patient and the requirements of the service. A key part of the role will be providing administrative support to all clinical and non-clinical colleagues involved, link in with community teams and other services as requested and work across the wide range of IT systems.



The successful applicant will work closely with the Deputy Service Line Manager and Virtual Ward manager and key stakeholders including Primary care, Community Services, Acute hospital services and others to develop services.



Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ' Priority ' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.



We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. The population is characterised by its diversity - the rural and the urban, the wealthy and pockets of deprivation, and wide variance in health and life expectancy. We work collaboratively with Primary care, Community Services, Acute hospital and other key services to deliver best outcome for the patients.



Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.



Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.



Monitor and run virtual ward email inbox.

Receive referrals in conjunction with clinical team.

Consult Virtual ward clinical team if there are discrepancies in referrals.

Register/ manage/ discharge patients on patient management systems required for virtual ward.

Invite new patients for clinical outpatient sessions in conjunction with booking rules and guidelines.

Book follow-up appointments that have been requested when instructed to do so by the virtual ward team, using appropriate guidelines, e.g. bloods.

Liaise with community Coordinator re face to face follow ups, Intravenous capacity.

Telephone patients/ relatives/ carers as required.

Take appropriate actions when clinic capacity alters, e.g. cancellations, over-bookings etc.

Notify appropriate staff members of changes/cancellations to clinics



PLEASE SEE JD FOR FULL PRIMARY DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY