16 November 2020

Patients are getting round-the-clock professional nursing care in their own homes thanks to a new night-nursing service.

This means patients are able to spend less time in hospital recovering or may even avoid the need for a hospital stay completely.

The service has come about through a new community services contract led by Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (FHFT) working in partnership with Virgin Care across North East Hampshire, Farnham and Surrey Heath.

Fran Campbell, head of community services for FHFT, said: “We know people much prefer recovering at home rather than staying in hospital and that is why our approach in community services is ‘home first’. If it is possible for us to work with patients and their families to support their needs at home, our dedicated team will do all they can to make this happen.

“This new night-nursing service gives patients and their families the reassurance that they are still in our care and that professional help is at hand. This has been made possible by the new contract, working in partnership to join up services to better meet patient needs.

“The fact that our nurses have made this possible while also dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic is outstanding.”

The healthcare providers have come together as part of a new community contract to deliver the service, which launched this autumn.

The service includes patient assessment and identification of the nursing support needed with an aim to provide quick clinical decision-making, the prevention of hospital admissions, and a one-team approach to their delivery of care. Patients are referred to the service by their GP or other health and care professionals.

Susan Joyce, head of community services in Surrey Heath and North East Hampshire & Farnham for Virgin Care, said: “We are delighted that the night-nursing service is up and running. It’s been incredible to see both teams come together effortlessly to provide such a wonderful service that will benefit so many.

“We are very excited to be working so closely with FHFT to ensure that local people receive effective care provided by an integrated approach.

“I’m extremely proud of the teams working together to make this a reality, and I am amazed at how close the team has become in such a short time, despite being from two organisations. It just shows what can be achieved through integration and collaboration.”