Virtual Wards- Supporting care at home

Virtual Wards are now an established part of how care is delivered across Ireland, with services live in six regions nationwide and continuing to expand. This model allows suitable patients to receive acute hospital level care in their own homes, supported by clinical teams using simple, reliable digital tools.

Since the programme began in 2024, over 3,000 patients have been supported through Virtual Wards. Patients are either discharged home earlier or avoid admission altogether, while remaining under the care of hospital teams. This approach helps free up hospital beds for patients who need more intensive treatment, while supporting recovery in a familiar environment.

Virtual Wards are a key element of Digital for Care 2030, the national framework guiding the use of digital technology to improve access, safety and patient experience across the health service. The focus is on using technologies that work well for patients and staff, with clear clinical pathways and strong governance.

The programme now supports a growing range of clinical pathways, including cardiology, respiratory, general medicine, diagnostics, urology, stroke, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, gynaecology and infectious disease. Services across regions are working closely together to share learning, standardise care and expand access safely and consistently.

Patient feedback has been very positive, with the vendor reported programme level Net Promoter Score showing a strong patient experience. Clinicians also report benefits, including clearer protocols, more proactive care and more time for meaningful conversations with patients and families.

Virtual Wards demonstrate how technology, clinical leadership and teamwork can support better use of hospital capacity while keeping patients at the centre of care.

Over the past few weeks, we have promoted the benefits of virtual wards and the positive impact they have on patient care through our HSE Technology and Transformation social media channels. We would like to recognise all the dedicated staff who helped make the Virtual Wards campaign a success by sourcing footage, arranging interviews and recording pieces to camera. This was in addition to the important work they continue to deliver on virtual wards across the following sites:

• Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda – HSE Dublin and North-East region.
• St Luke's General Hospital, Carlow, Kilkenny – HSE Dublin and South-East region.
• Mercy University Hospital, Cork – HSE South-West region.
• Galway University Hospital – HSE West and North-West region.
• Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore - HSE Dublin and Midlands region.
• St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin - HSE Dublin and South-East region.
• University Hospital Limerick - HSE Mid-West region.

We also extend our appreciation to the local and regional communications teams for their support with interviews, recording, and for sharing their knowledge and expertise. Please watch the short video below, featuring Dr. Andy Philips, Professor Richard Greene and Loretto Grogan.

You can watch the Virtual Wards video here