The Children’s Oncology Virtual Ward at Leeds Children’s Hospital featured on ITV Calendar last week. The virtual ward is making a difference to children and their families affected by cancer, across Leeds.
Thanks to the virtual ward, five-year-old Leukaemia patient, Evie can take her clinical observations in the comfort of her own home. Her mum logs her readings online and a nurse receives them the same day.
Evie’s father told ITV Calendar that going home is an ‘escape.’
A few weeks ago, we visited The Leeds Children’s Hospital to see the service in action.
We were delighted to meet ten-year-old Leukaemia patient, Jacob and hear how the virtual ward is making a difference to him and his family.
Thanks to the virtual ward, Jacob and his family have been able to spend more time at home, only coming into hospital once a week for treatment.
Jacob’s parents, Sarah and Matthew, told us how being on the service has helped them through a difficult time. Jacob is much happier at home, sleeping in his own bed, surrounded by family, able to maintain a more normal routine. Jacob’s parents have noticed that he eats and sleeps better at home which is hugely beneficial for his wellbeing and recovery.
Sarah and Matthew both feel that being at home makes a huge difference to Jacob’s treatment and recovery as well as their wellbeing as parents who would otherwise be split between home and hospital to look after Jacob and his older brother.
We are so incredibly proud to be making a difference to children and families affected by cancer.
We wish Evie and Jacob and all the children the very best on their recovery journeys.