Virtual ward receives 1,000th referral

Nurses speak directly to patients and colleagues on a virtual ward

A virtual paediatric ward which opened in July 2023 has received its 1,000th referral.

It was set up by the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to monitor children at home, using apps and other devices.

The trust, which runs the city's New Cross Hospital, said more than 800 families had benefitted.

It also said it had taken 77 referrals directly from accident and emergency, reducing pressure on beds there and elsewhere in the hospital.

The virtual ward is used for patients with respiratory conditions and bronchiolitis, those receiving intravenous antibiotics, awaiting diagnosis and for extended observations.

NHS England said it was increasingly introducing virtual wards to support people at home or in care homes.