Moorfields Eye Hospital’s virtual A&E wins HSJ award

Moorfields Eye Hospital’s virtual A&E was awarded a prestigious HSJ Partnership Award for Most Effective Contribution to Patient Safety on 24 March 2022.

The virtual A&E service was introduced with Induction Healthcare’s Attend Anywhere platform to give patients access to the vital or emergency eyecare they needed as the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns were announced. It was first rolled out at Moorfields within 48 hours of the first lockdown.

Over 26,000 patients have now used the virtual A&E service. 78% of patients have been able to get the treatment they need without travelling into Moorfields, and 95% of patients have given the service a maximum rating of five stars. Patients were able to avoid waits in A&E and receive reassurance from an experienced ophthalmologist within minutes without having to visit the hospital.

A study published in peer-reviewed journal eClinicalMedicine also found the virtual A&E delivered safety levels comparable to in-person triages.

“The virtual eye A&E platform has revolutionised the way we receive emergency patients, and has been so successful that we will keep it running on a long-term basis,” said Gordon Hay, service director for A&E at Moorfields.

“I’m absolutely delighted to see the hard work and dedication of our A&E and digital teams recognised in this way,” said Martin Kuper, chief executive at Moorfields. “They are able to identify and manage critical emergencies immediately, and also allow other patients to receive advice and reassurance, and to be seen in person when most appropriate. They can provide crucial care for patients who may be unable or worried to travel due to concerns about Covid.

“This award highlights our ongoing commitment to innovation, using technology to provide expert specialist care at scale.”