NHS England published the NHS Virtual Wards Operational Framework to ensure patients can receive hospital-level care from their homes. Although they may still receive visits from healthcare professionals, their conditions can be effectively monitored remotely using the right technologies. This is a helpful way of ensuring that a patient can receive the right treatment without the need to regularly commit to hospital visits as they can receive additional support remotely.
Virtual wards are now available in every integrated care system (ICS). Variations in the way they are set up and the pathways they deliver may vary due to the rapid expansion of these services. Their use can be exceedingly beneficial, as they are cost effective, can reduce and prevent admissions and attendances, as well as hospital length of stay. Ultimately, this can improve patient experience and choice, as well as outcomes for their treatments overall.
For more information please read here.
Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/virtual-wards-operational-framework/
Featured Event:
Virtual Clinics & Wards
Hybrid CPD Conference - virtual or in-person attendance (Birmingham)
Wednesday 18th June 2025
Don't miss a valuable opportunity to reflect on national developments and learning from case studies in various clinical areas. The conference will help you improve the way you use and implement the Virtual Wards Operational Framework, ensure patient safety and effective timely responses to deterioration. It will also give you a greater understanding of how AI can be used to support virtual clinics and wards, allowing you to develop your competence and skills in delivering virtual consultations.
