Patient Story: Recovering at Home through the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore Acute Virtual Ward

When Paddy Mooney from Tullamore was admitted to Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore on December 4th with a severe case of influenza, he expected a number of nights in the hospital waiting to recover enough to return home. What he didn’t expect was to become one of the patients to experience the hospital’s new Acute Virtual Ward service, a model of care that would allow him to complete his recovery safely from the comfort of his own home.

Paddy spent five days in hospital before being transferred to the Virtual Ward on December 9th, remaining under remote clinical care until his discharge on December 14th.

“Your home becomes your hospital ward”

For Paddy, the biggest difference came the moment he stepped through his own front door. “Your home becomes your hospital ward, but with all the comfort of being in your own place,” he explains.

With influenza and a course of antibiotics to complete, Paddy was housebound, but being at home made all the difference and allowed him to follow his own routine. “At 10am and 4pm every day, I sent in my readings and answered the questionnaire on the tablet. Apart from that, I could follow my own routine, my own breakfast, my own couch, my own bed. You’re just more relaxed in your own environment.”

Technology

When Paddy was first shown the equipment which included a tablet and monitoring devices he was familiar with these.  As this was new Technology the nurses still went through everything in detail. “They showed me how it worked, made sure I could use it, and after that it was simple. No issues at all.”

Reassurance at the Other End of the Phone

One of the things that surprised Paddy most was how connected he felt to the clinical team. “The direct mobile number was the biggest reassurance. I knew exactly who I was ringing if I needed it. They also explained clearly what to do outside operational hours, which gave me confidence.”

Although the system allowed him to request a call back only if needed, Paddy found the team proactive and attentive. “I usually said I didn’t need a call, but if I wrote anything in the comments, even something small like a slight temperature, they’d ring me anyway. The data I sent in was read and acted on. I felt watched over even though I wasn’t physically in the hospital.”

He also appreciated how smoothly follow-up tests were organised. “For blood tests, they arranged for me to go straight to the hospitals Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU). I went there straight away, there was no queues, no waiting, I didn’t have to go through the Emergency Department. It was all coordinated and I went home straight afterwards, back to the virtual ward while they looked at the results and rang me with the update.”

Recovering at Home – Better Sleep, Better Rest, Better Health

Paddy is clear about one thing - recovery at home simply felt better. “Your energy just starts to come back quicker at home. In hospital you can’t sleep properly with machines going off, people needing help, the general noise. At home I had peace and quiet. I got full nights’ sleep and felt better for it the next day.”

Being at home also eased pressure on his family, particularly during a time of restricted visiting in the hospital. Visiting Paddy was not a concern they had to worry about.

Explaining the Virtual Ward to Others

The moment the consultant mentioned the option of the Virtual Ward, Paddy didn’t hesitate.  “The Doctor explained it and said I’d be suitable. It made perfect sense in freeing up hospital beds for people who need them most, keeping patients where they recover best in their home.”

Paddy’s positive experience made him an advocate for the service, even while still recovering. “In the ward before I left, other patients heard the conversation and asked me what it was about, I then explained it to them”.

Since his discharge last year, Paddy unfortunately required a return to hospital due to another infection. During his stay, he met another patient who was unsure about the Virtual Ward.

“The patient was talking to her doctor about it, and when the Doctor left, I was able to explain what it was because I had done it myself. I told her how beneficial it was, and she was reassured knowing someone who had experienced it. She was very keen to be admitted to it then.”

Paddy believes more people will embrace the service as awareness grows. “It’s a new concept for people, but once they become more familiar with it, they will see how great it is. Nobody wants to stay in hospital longer than necessary, especially when there’s a safe alternative.”

Carole Broadbank, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, HSE Midlands, praised the success of Virtual Wards and the difference it is making for patients. “Acute Virtual Wards are transforming how we deliver acute care across the region. It allows patients to recover in the comfort of their own home while still being closely monitored by expert clinical teams. Paddy’s experience highlights the core purpose of Sláintecare - safe, person‑centred care delivered as close to home as possible.”

Louise Burke, General Manager of Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, emphasised the benefit to both patients and the wider hospital system.

“This service not only improves the patient experience but also helps us use hospital capacity more effectively. Patients like Paddy can recuperate in their own familiar environment, which supports better rest and recovery, while freeing hospital beds for those who need inpatient care. We are delighted to see such positive patient outcomes.”

For more information on Acute Virtual Wards see here.