HEART nurses are celebrating winning national recognition for an innovative virtual ward, which is the first of its kind in the East of England.

Cardiothoracic clinical nurse specialists, at the world-renowned Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC) at Basildon Hospital, monitor patients' symptoms, while they wait at home for their planned heart surgeries.

Patients are also given specialist and general health advice, along with emotional support – all through a mobile app.

This prevents them from becoming severely unwell and ending up in hospitals taking up beds.

The virtual ward has been so successful that since July 2024 the team have helped more than 400 patients, with 180 currently awaiting their procedure.

This has saved over £560,000 in bed days and means patients can stay in the comfort of their own home longer, avoiding possible risk of infection.

The ward is run by the Cardiothoracic Clinical Nurse Specialists at the CTC, who have won the Excellence for Innovation in Practice 2025 award at the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland conference.

Anthony Johnson, Cardiothoracic Nurse Specialist at the CTC, who also leads this service, said: "We're really proud to have won this award, it's a reflection of the effort our team has put into making the virtual ward work. It's not just about easing the pressure on hospital beds; it's about making sure patients feel supported while they wait for their surgery. And this recognition shows that it's making a real difference for patients and the hospital."

advertisement

From left Anthony Johnson, Cardiothoracic Nurse Specialist, Janet Sutherland, Jade Theisinger, Cardiothoracic Nurse Specialist

One of those patients to already benefit is Janet Sutherland, 78. She said: "I was struggling with my heart condition and an irregular heartbeat for a long time.

"The team monitored my condition through the app and brought my surgery forward as I wasn't feeling well. Everyone in the team was lovely and the care was excellent."

The virtual service also supports patients after surgery, particularly those at risk of infections or with limited social support at home.