Healthcare delivery
Are virtual hospital beds the way forward?
Virtual hospital beds are not a quick fix, but can be a major part of the NHS solution, argues Graham Watson. He analyses the spectrum of possibilities.
The virtual hospital beds concept may not be a new innovation, but this evolving approach to allowing patients to access the preventative care they need outside of acute care settings is rightly demanding increasing attention. Thanks to greater connectivity and improved
technology, multidisciplinary teams can provide hospital-level treatment through a combination of remote and in-person care for people living with a range of health challenges, including cardiac, respiratory, frailty, and other conditions. The idea is simple but effective – take the
focus away from pressured bricks and mortar hospitals with the risk of hospital-acquired complications like infections and decline in physical function, place patients where they are most comfortable; improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction; prevent hospital admissions and reduce the length of hospital stays. The potential benefits of this cutting-edge,
innovation-driven shift in care also mean enhanced patient engagement, streamlined workflows, and improved decision-making thanks to detailed digital information provided through apps and other remote monitoring technologies which enable, but do not replace, care. The multidisciplinary teams delivering that care are comprehensive too – Scotland’s Hospital at Home service is staffed by consultants, GPs, nurses, allied health professionals (including a dietician, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech and
language therapist), and support workers who all specialise in the care of people with acute medical problems in the community. Patients referred to the service are assessed in their own home, and a care and treatment plan developed by the Hospital at Home team with input from the individual and their family, offering both autonomy and choice without the need for new physical infrastructure. While a virtual hospital model was first
developed in 2004, its benefits were re- examined with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, which placed significant strain on hospital resources and highlighted an urgent need to reduce bed occupancy. In the present day, and despite the lowered focus on the rapid spread of COVID, that need to shift care away from acute care services has
Virtual beds reduce the burden of travel for families, enhance accessibility of care for people with disabilities and those with complex health needs, and offer faster hospital admission if health deteriorates.
not receded against the backdrop of waiting lists which have continued to grow. With the NHS seeking a meaningful long-term solution, the concept of virtual hospital beds which had lain dormant has gained greater traction in Scotland across the past few years, with the Scottish Government investing £3.6 million into the initiative in 2022 – a strong show of faith. NHS Forth Valley became a pioneer for
Scotland, establishing virtual beds across the region with the average length of stay being four to six days for initial intensive support. Any further rehabilitation or home support was then to be arranged, if required, depending on the person’s individual needs. NHS Forth Valley Clinical Director for Ageing and Health, Dr. Claire Copeland, said: “The effects on older people of remaining in hospital too long are well documented – often resulting in a loss of independence and self-esteem. That is why admission to hospital should only happen when the patient’s clinical need requires it. If the level of care and treatment can be provided at home, then we would like to provide it there.” Hospital at Home did not develop in isolation. At the same time, Scotland’s Outpatient
October 2025 I
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