Respiratory

Respiratory conditions are among the most common long-term illnesses in the UK, affecting around one in five people and accounting for millions of hospital admissions each year (NHS England). Services face growing pressure from rising prevalence, frequent readmissions, and seasonal demand peaks, which place a significant strain on acute capacity and clinical teams. 

Effective, joined-up monitoring and early intervention are therefore essential to improve outcomes and reduce the burden on the NHS. 

Our respiratory service monitors patients with respiratory conditions either at home or in the community, supporting both short-term virtual ward care and longer-term condition management. 

How the service works  

• Patients are enrolled onto the service and asked, 3 times a day to complete a symptom checker questionnaire and record their vital signs, including oxygen saturation, heart rate, and temperature.
• The data is automatically reviewed using the NEWS2 algorithm, which generates alerts if clinical thresholds are reached, while the symptom checker can also trigger alerts based on patient responses.
• Together, these tools offer clinicians a comprehensive view of each patient’s condition, helping to identify early signs of deterioration and enabling timely intervention.

For short-term monitoring, such as post-discharge care or acute episodes, the service can provide reassurance and early detection of complications.

For longer-term management, it supports regular monitoring, ongoing clinical oversight, and early intervention to help prevent readmissions and maintain stability in patients with chronic respiratory conditions.