Virtual wards
interventions, recreating the structures in the hospital where patients are cared for by a multidisciplinary team and regularly checked upon - whether in person or through the use of video technology. Virtual wards allow patients to receive non-urgent care at home, supported by the use of apps and wearable devices. Despite the widespread rollout of virtual
wards only recently coming to fruition, the results have been impressive; as of September 2023, the health service delivered on its ambition of rolling out 10,000 virtual ward beds and more than 240,000 patients8
have now been treated
on virtual wards in the UK. This progress shows no signs of slowing down as 15,000 more9
A new model of care Praised as a potential solution for the capacity pressures on the healthcare system, virtual
virtual wards are currently planned to be implemented.
wards hold significant promise in enhancing patient outcomes. For instance, with higher occupancy rates in hospitals, patients who need more urgent and critical care are less likely to receive the treatment they need. By deploying
King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
Sky Medical Technology, parent company of Firstkind, has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its breakthrough wound care technology - the geko device. The company is one of just 197 organisations to receive the King’s Award this year - recognition given only to the UK’s most forward- thinking and high-performing businesses. Chronic wounds remain a critical global health
challenge, costing healthcare systems billions annually. The geko device addresses this unmet need with a clinically validated, non-invasive therapy that is now demonstrating a rapid rate of adoption from its UK commercial launch in February 2024. “We are deeply honoured to receive the King’s
Award for Enterprise in Innovation,” said Bernard Ross, CEO and Founder of Sky Medical Technology. “This recognition reflects the exceptional work of our research, development, and commercial teams - and reaffirms our mission to deliver evidence- based innovations that truly change lives.” “Importantly, the award isn’t just recognition
of innovation - it’s a validation of commercial and market impact. We’re solving a real-world clinical problem with a product that delivers measurable patient benefits and cost savings. The geko device is delivering faster healing, reduced nursing hours, and improved patient quality of life. Health systems are already integrating this into standard of care.” “The geko device is a clear example of
innovation delivering real-world value - clinically, operationally, and economically,” comments Fiona Young, Firstkind Wound Therapy Business
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I June 2025
Director. “We’re not just improving outcomes, we’re changing how wound care is delivered, at scale. “Q1 sales results are in over budget, and we are seeing the number of prescriptions increasing by over 60% quarter-over-quarter for the last 3 consecutive quarters.” “This momentum stems from both robust
clinical evidence, strong day-to-day outcomes in practice and rapidly escalating the geko device adoption across multiple NHS primary care clinics. Our pivotal randomised self-controlled trial (RCT), supported by real-world data from the UK Wound Care Registry, has shown a more than twofold increase in the rate of chronic wound healing. But it’s the additional study data and patient-reported benefits that are drawing particular attention in clinical settings. Clinicians are reporting an immediate reduction in pain. This too, is engaging patients and keeps them on protocol. We then see the rapid effect on healing.” With a global chronic wound care market
estimated at over $10 billion and rising demand from ageing populations, Sky Medical Technology is expanding rapidly through established distributor networks and strategic partnerships. Its technology is in active use across applications, including chronic wound healing, oedema management in orthopaedics, and VTE prevention. Now in its 59th year, the King’s Awards for
Enterprise are the UK’s highest recognition for business excellence. Winners earn the right to use the King’s Awards Emblem for five years - a mark of trust and innovation recognised globally.
virtual wards, patients who previously would have been in the hospital, are now at home, freeing up capacity and allowing more patients to receive essential treatment. Patients with chronic conditions present a significant part of this challenge ,as these patients require ongoing monitoring and management. However, by providing patients with tools such as wearable devices and mobile apps in a virtual ward setting, healthcare providers can track the progress of their patients, with medical intervention only when required. This proactive approach reduces the amount of hospital visits, reducing the impact on the healthcare system. With the NHS’ plans of reaching Net Zero by 2045, virtual wards will also play a significant role in reducing home visits by nurses, along with the carbon emissions associated with travel. Virtual wards also offer an alternative
avenue for patient treatment through the use of online consultations and remote monitoring. As patients are in the home setting, they can easily access consultations on their computer or their phone, rather than through in-person visits. This improves healthcare accessibility, particularly for patients who are unable to attend in-person appointments at the hospital due to certain medical conditions or transport issues. As a result, more patients can be treated, allowing the NHS to make significant progress in addressing the current backlog of patients.
Things to consider As part of rolling out the virtual wards programme, the NHS has made an initial investment of £450m10
over two years, so it is
crucial that the programme is implemented effectively. While there are many observable benefits of virtual wards, there needs to be clear guidance on how to operate them efficiently. The appropriate measures need to be in place for all scenarios, including the course of action if a patient’s condition deteriorates or any other unexpected changes occur during treatment.
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