‘Low’ patient numbers in UHL virtual ward in initial weeks

The “low” number of patients in the virtual ward at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) was discussed at its Group executive management team (EMT) during the initial roll-out.

However, a HSE spokesperson has informed the Medical Independent (MI) that the virtual wards at both UHL and St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, reached capacity (25 ‘beds’ each) in late January 2025.

A meeting of the UHL Group EMT on 24 July 2024 had heard that just five patients were in the virtual ward. The initiative commenced at UHL on 1 July.

“Pathways require review and should be safeguarded with a robust SOP [standard operating procedure],” according to the minutes obtained under Freedom of Information law.

Minutes of an EMT meeting on 17 July noted that the pathways were “restrictive” and the inclusion criteria were being reviewed. 

This month, a spokesperson for HSE Mid West informed MI that appropriate SOPs are in place for the virtual ward at UHL.

The virtual ward service may be offered to suitable patients admitted to hospital with certain conditions who are medically stable, but require ongoing monitoring and care.

Patients in the virtual ward remain under the consultant team that provided their care in the hospital. The virtual ward team is alerted by the monitoring technology if the patient’s readings worsen, or if they are not responding to treatment as expected. The patient and their family/carer receive training on the use of the technology before leaving the hospital.

The HSE informed MI that an “extensive equipment management and fully managed support service” for both patients and staff are “core aspects” of the virtual ward initiative.

“Patients can directly ring the vendor and/or the virtual ward hub for support with technology. If any piece of equipment fails, a replacement is immediately delivered directly to the patient’s home. To date there have been a small number of device issues, all of which have been quickly resolved. Downtime processes ensure that even in the event of technical failure, patient safety is paramount.”

Early feedback from patients has been positive with many highlighting the convenience and comfort of receiving care at home, according to the HSE.

Cardiology and respiratory were the first two pathways to go live. A general medical pathway became operational in December 2024. Additional pathways – including surgical – are currently being developed.

This year the HSE plans to establish four additional virtual wards and two community virtual wards.