FOI 2024-226

I would like to make a Freedom of Information Request with regards to virtual wards in maternity services within your trust.

I have attached a word document with the list of information that we would like.  (The questions are also pasted at the bottom of this email if there are any issues with opening attachments)

Questions for Virtual Ward Freedom of Information Act

1)      Does your trust use virtual wards for any maternity/obstetrics patients? If no please go to the last question (question 2).

a)      Is this provided internally (i.e. Trust versus private outsource), If outsourced which provider is responsible for delivering the virtual ward.

b)     How long have you been providing or had provision for this virtual ward (months)?

c)      If yes what obstetric/early pregnancy conditions do you currently use the virtual ward for:

·         Pre-eclampsia

·         Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes

·         Obstetric Cholestasis

·         Outpatient management of miscarriage

·         Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

·         Hyperemesis gravidarum

·         Other please specify:

d)     Which diagnostic/monitoring tests do you provide as part of this service:

·         Pulse

·         Temperature

·         Blood pressure

·         Pulse Oximetry

·         Blood tests (if so what tests and modality i.e. Point of care)

·         Urinalysis

·         Symptom questionnaire

·         Fetal monitoring

·         IV fluids

·         IV medications

·         Oral Medications

e)      Which categories of medications are administered :

·         Antihypertensives

·         Antiemetics

·         Analgesia

·         Other please specify:

·         None

f)        What is the maximum frequency of monitoring provided?

g)      On average how many times a day will monitoring occur?

h)      Are abnormal results reviewed by the treating team or the virtual ward provider?

i)        Is there a time limit of how long patients can stay within the virtual ward e.g. two weeks. If yes how long is the duration?

j)        How is the virtual ward funded?

2)      If you currently do not provide a virtual ward for maternity/obstetrics patients do you have plans to implement them and if so when is this expected to go live?